A part of the following sentence is underlined. Choose the option that can replace the underlined part to improve the sentence. If you feel Options A, B, or C do not improve the sentence, then choose Option D: "No improvement required."
She made ____ mistakes this time, showing noticeable improvement in her work, thanks to her careful preparation and focus.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Correct Answer
She made fewer mistakes this time
Explanation
The sentence compares her performance this time to past attempts, as shown by the phrase "noticeable improvement in her work." This explicit comparison requires a comparative adjective.
The word "mistakes" is a countable plural noun. In standard English grammar, "fewer" is used exclusively with countable items to indicate a smaller number, whereas "less" or "lesser" is reserved for uncountable quantities or degrees. Therefore, "fewer mistakes" is the grammatically correct comparative choice.
The alternative options are flawed. The original phrasing using "____" lacks a word entirely. Option 1 incorrectly uses "lesser," which describes size or importance rather than a countable quantity. Option 3 uses "few," which is a positive adjective rather than a comparative one and fails to capture the contrast implied by "this time."
Key Points
An easy rule of thumb for quantitative modifiers is to check if you can count the items on your fingers. If you can count them (like mistakes, books, or coins), always pair them with "fewer." If you cannot count them individually (like water, patience, or time), pair them with "less."