Question

Use the superlative degree of comparison in the following sentence:
The old man is __ man I know
A) wisest
B) most wise
C) the most wise
D) the wisest

Answer 1

Hint: The degrees of comparison refers to how adjectives change form to convey comparison. Positive, comparative, and superlative adjectives are the three degrees of adjectives. When comparing two or more objects or things, the comparative and superlative degrees are used.

Complete answer:
When comparing three or more nouns, superlative adjectives are employed. They can also be used to compare one object to the remainder of a set of things. Superlative adjectives show that there is a greater level of comparison between things.

Let us look at the given options:
A) wisest: This option is incorrect because the superlative 'wisest' makes the noun specific (there can only be one highest degree), the article 'the' is required to modify the noun.
B) most wise: This option is incorrect because when an adjective contains more than two syllables, it is preceded by 'most.' Because 'wise' has just one syllable, it is not preceded by 'most.'
C) the most wise: This option is incorrect because when an adjective contains more than two syllables, it is preceded by 'most.' Because 'wise' has just one syllable, it is not preceded by 'most.'
D) the wisest: This is the correct option. The noun 'man' is the 'wisest' in the statement, where 'wisest' is the greatest degree or superlative of 'wise.'

Thus, the correct answer is Option (D) the wisest.

Note: Some rules of degree of comparison are:
- When two people are compared on a single attribute, more or most should be used.
- Remember that superlatives and double comparatives are no longer used.
- The adjectives that make the most sense do not include the words more or most.