SarkariPYQ

SSC MTS 2023 PYQ — Question 45

SSC MTS - 03 May 2023 - Shift 1 • English • Q45

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In the following passage some of the words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the correct answer for the given blank out of the four alternatives.

The thought here is that because saliva is (1) ______________ alkaline, stimulating it by chewing gum after eating (2) ______________ help neutralize the acidity in your mouth and throat. (3) __________________ a very small study from 2005 did (4) ______________ some merit to this approach, the size of the study makes it difficult to (5) _______________ any real conclusions.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 1.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A

Explanation

The correct answer is option 1 i.e. slightly.

  • Slightly is the most appropriate as there is no other parameter for comparison, it here means that saliva has a little alkaline nature. 
  • If there had been a comparison, then slighter should've been used (comparative degree of slight)
  • Slightest would've meant the smallest of amounts (superlative degree of slight)
  • Slight is an adjective that can't be placed before another describing word, alkaline.