Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence.
We have perhaps never seen an ablest series of advocates than these ten standing in a row.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is option 2 i.e. abler.
Error concept: The original sentence uses “ablest”, which is a superlative degree adjective.
What is wrong: The structure of the sentence contains “than”, which requires the comparative degree, not the superlative. Using ablest with than is grammatically wrong.
Grammatical concept:
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Comparative degree is used when comparing two entities and is followed by than.
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Superlative degree is used when comparing more than two entities and usually preceded by the.
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Since the sentence has than, we must use the comparative degree (abler).
Incorrectness of the concept in context: “Ablest” mismatches the comparative construction, making the sentence grammatically incorrect.
How to correct: Replace “ablest” with “abler,” the comparative degree form of “able.”
Correct phrase/ correction: “…never seen an abler series of advocates than…”
Final sentence: We have perhaps never seen an abler series of advocates than these ten standing in a row.
Hence, the chosen option is correct.