In the following sentence the underlined part contains an error. Alternatives to the underlined part are given as options. Select the correct alternative.
It is easiest to stay calm than to protest.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is option 4 i.e. easier
Error concept: Incorrect degree of comparison
What is wrong: The phrase “easiest to stay calm than” is incorrect because easiest is a superlative form, but comparison with than requires the comparative form.
Grammatical concept: Use the comparative degree of adjectives (e.g., easier) when comparing two actions or things with than.
Incorrectness of the concept in context: Using easiest (superlative) with than is grammatically wrong.
How to correct: Replace easiest with easier.
Correct phrase/ correction: easier
Final sentence: It is easier to stay calm than to protest.
Hence, the chosen option is correct.