Multiple choice

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

He was cleverer than diligent; his will was strong; his activities were marked with a reckless audacity.

  1. He was cleverer than diligent; his will was strong

  2. He was cleverer than diligent; his will was stronger

  3. He was more clever than diligent; his will was strong

  4. He was more clever than diligent; his will was stronger

  5. He was cleverer than he was diligent; his will was strong
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Explanation for (1): The sentence bears the error of comparison. When we compare two qualities of the same person, we have to use the comparative 'more' rather than the comparative form of the adjective. So, the usage should be 'more clever' in place of 'cleverer'.

Explanation for (2): The option does not rectify the error of comparison and introduces another error. (Changes 'strong' to 'stronger')

Justification for (3): The sentence bears the error of comparison. When we compare two qualities of the same person, we have to use the comparative 'more' rather than the comparative form of the adjective. This option rectifies the error of comparison.
Explanation for (4): Though this option rectifies the error of comparison, it introduces another error: 'use of stronger where no comparison is drawn' Explanation for (5): The option does not rectify the error of comparison and also introduces another error of redundancy (use of 'he was' before diligent' is redundant).

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