Choose the most suitable option to replace the underlined part of the sentence :
Of the three paths, this is the most shortest.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
Correct Answer
shortest
Explanation
Rule: In English grammar, modifying a superlative adjective that already ends in '-est' with words like 'most' creates a double superlative, which is grammatically incorrect.
Formula: the + superlative adjective (-est) OR the + most + base adjective
Application: The adjective 'short' is a monosyllabic (one-syllable) word, meaning its superlative form is constructed by adding '-est' (shortest). Combining it with 'most' (most shortest) is redundant. Therefore, the phrase must be corrected to simply read: 'this is the shortest.'