In the following sentence the underlined part contains as error. Alternatives to the underlined part are given as options. Select the correct alternative.
The water near the coast was shallower and clean.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is option 3 i.e. shallow.
Error concept: Incorrect comparative adjective usage.
What is wrong: The sentence uses “shallower and clean”, mixing a comparative adjective (shallower) with a positive adjective (clean). Both adjectives should be in the same form.
Grammatical concept:
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Shallow – positive form, used with another positive adjective (clean).
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Comparative forms like shallower should be paired with another comparative adjective (cleaner).
Incorrectness of the concept in context: Using “shallower and clean” is inconsistent; it incorrectly mixes comparative and positive forms.
How to correct: Replace “shallower” with “shallow” to match “clean.”
Correct phrase/ correction: shallow
Final sentence: The water near the coast was shallow and clean.
Hence, the chosen option is correct.