In the following sentence the underlined part contains as error. Alternatives to the underlined part are given as options. Select the correct alternative.
The bread was drier and stale.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is option A i.e. much drier.
Context: The sentence describes the condition of the bread, comparing it to its usual state. To intensify a comparative adjective, modifiers like “much” are used.
Meaning of the words:
Much drier – Correct comparative form with emphasis, meaning considerably more dry.
More drier – Wrong, because double comparatives are grammatically incorrect.
Dry – Adjective, but does not indicate comparison.
Driest – Superlative form, used when comparing three or more things, not correct in this context.
Correct word: Much drier
Reason: “Drier” is already a comparative form of “dry.” Adding “much” makes the comparison stronger and grammatically correct. “More drier” is wrong because we cannot use “more” with “-er” forms.
Final Sentence: The bread was much drier and stale.
Hence, the chosen option will be correct.