Fill in the blank with the most appropriate option:
The revised algorithm is ___ than the previous version, reducing load time by half.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Correct Answer
more efficient
Explanation
To determine the correct word form for the blank, look at the grammatical structure and context of the sentence:
Comparative Clue: The sentence uses the word "than" directly after the blank ("...is ___ than the previous version..."). This explicitly signals that a comparison is being made between two things: the revised algorithm and the previous version.
Adjective Form: For multi-syllable adjectives like efficient, the comparative degree is formed by adding the word "more" before the adjective.
Analysis of Other Options:
efficient: This is the positive degree and cannot be paired directly with "than".
most efficient: This is the superlative degree, used when comparing three or more things.
efficiency: This is a noun, which does not fit the linking verb predicate structure here.
Key Points
Grammar Rule: More + Adjective + than is the standard formula for comparing two entities.
Exam Shortcut: Whenever you spot the word "than" in a fill-in-the-blank question, narrow your choices down immediately to the comparative degree option.