16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsHardParallel structure after 'both'

Standard English Conventions practice question

The new bridge is both wider than the old one and ____.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

  1. A. strongerCorrect
  2. B. it is stronger
  3. C. more strong
  4. D. strongly built

Answer: A. stronger

'Both wider and stronger' keeps the two comparatives parallel.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. it is stronger
A clause breaks the parallel.
C. more strong
'More strong' is not the standard comparative.
D. strongly built
An adverb phrase breaks the parallel with 'wider'.

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