Question

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate option
Are the streets ______ and ______ than they were some years ago?
a) wide/cleaner
b) wider/cleanest
c) widest/cleaner
d) widest/cleanest
e) wider/cleaner

Answer 1

Hint: We have to use a comparative degree. When two objects are compared, we use a comparative degree. For example, strong-stronger, fast-faster, etc. In the given question the two things being compared are streets some years ago and the same streets at present. We have to find out the comparative degree of wide and clean.

Complete answer:
 The correct answer is option e since the comparative degree of wide and clean are wider and cleaner respectively. So the author is asking whether the streets are wider and cleaner than a few years ago.
Option a is wrong because the first choice is “wide” which is not a comparative degree. The answer should be “wider” which is the comparative degree for “wide”.
Option b is wrong because the superlative degree of “clean” has been used which is “cleanest”. Superlative degrees are used when there is a comparison between three or more things.
Option c is also wrong because the superlative degree of wide (widest) has been used.
Option d is wrong because of both the choices being the superlative degree of wide and clean respectively.

Note:
 For attempting questions related to degrees of comparison, it is always important to see how many things are in question. If it’s one, it’s a positive degree; if the comparison is between two things, then it’s the comparative degree and if three or more things are being compared, it’s the superlative degree. Also, remember to check that both the choices in one option are correct. Many students select answers with just one correct choice.