In the following sentence the underlined part contains as error. Alternatives to the underlined part are given as options. Select the correct alternative.
He looked extremely smart and handsomest in the black suit.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is option 4 i.e. handsome.
Error concept: Incorrect use of superlative/adjective form.
What is wrong: The word “handsomest” is a superlative, which is inappropriate when comparing only one subject or using it alongside extremely smart.
Grammatical concept:
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When using adjectives with modifiers like extremely, the simple positive form of the adjective is used, not comparative or superlative forms.
Incorrectness of the concept in context: Saying “extremely handsomest” is grammatically incorrect; it should simply be “extremely handsome.”
How to correct: Replace handsomest with handsome.
Correct phrase/ correction: handsome
Final sentence: He looked extremely smart and handsome in the black suit.
Hence, the chosen option is correct.