16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsHardComparative versus superlative with two items

Standard English Conventions practice question

Of the two routes up the mountain, the northern one is ____ but far more exposed to the wind.

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

  1. A. shorterCorrect
  2. B. shortest
  3. C. more shorter
  4. D. the most short

Answer: A. shorter

Two items compared take the comparative 'shorter'.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. shortest
'Shortest' is for three or more.
C. more shorter
'More shorter' doubles the comparative.
D. the most short
'The most short' is superlative and unidiomatic.

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