Academic Degree Degree Of Comparison: Grammar 5

Question 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'elder' vs. 'older'?

Accepted Answer

My elder sister is taller than me.

Answer

'Elder' is used only with people (often family members), while 'older' is used for both people and things.

Question 2

In formal academic writing, which comparative sentence is preferred?

Accepted Answer

Results were better than expected.

Answer

Concise comparatives drop redundant words; 'better than expected' is the preferred formal form.

Question 3

Which of the following is a correct use of 'the' before a comparative?

Accepted Answer

She is the taller of the two.

Answer

When comparing exactly two items, 'the + comparative' (the taller of the two) is standard formal usage.

Question 4

Which sentence correctly applies a comparative to an adverb of manner?

Accepted Answer

He spoke more loudly than usual.

Answer

Multi-syllable adverbs like 'loudly' use 'more' to form the comparative.

Question 5

Identify the sentence that correctly uses a superlative with 'one of'.

Accepted Answer

He is one of the greatest athletes in history.

Answer

The construction 'one of the + superlative + plural noun' is the correct standard form.

Academic Degree Practice Test