Question

Fill in the blank with the comparative degree of the adverb:
Could you write _________________________________?
A)most clearly
B)more clearly
C)clearly
D)clearlier

Answer 1

Hint: Comparative degree is used to show comparison between two things. It is also used at the places where enhancement is sought.

Complete step-by-step answer:

As we know from the hint, the function of comparative degree is to show comparison. To alter a word to form a comparative degree we should either add the word ‘more’ to the main word. The same can also be used to identify comparative degrees of the adverb.
Most clearly, doesn’t have the characteristics of a comparative degree adverb that we discussed. It is the superlative degree of the adverb. It is used to compare more than two things. However, our question asks only for the comparative degree of the adverb. Hence, we shall rule out Option A to be a possibly correct option.
More clearly, we can see that it has the characteristics of the comparative degree adverb that we had previously discussed. It has the word ‘more’ added to it, to convert it into a comparative degree adverb. Hence, we can consider Option B to be a possibly correct answer to our question.
Clearly, doesn’t have the characteristics of a comparative degree adverb that we previously discussed. It is the positive form of the adverb and hence, draws no comparison. Thus, we shall rule out Option C to be a possibly correct option.
Clearlier, is not a proper word. Hence, we shall rule out Option D to be a possibly correct option.
Thus after our observation, we can conclude Option B to be the correct answer to the question.

Note: Degrees of comparison are usually for adjectives and adverbs. It is usually only in adjectives where the suffix ‘-er’ is added to change the positive adjective to a comparative adjective. However, the addition of the word, ’more’ remains the same for both.