Select the option that will improve the underlined part of the given sentence.
According to Greek mythology, Sipylus is holier city of Lydia.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is option 3 i.e. the holiest.
Error concept: Incorrect superlative usage.
What is wrong: The sentence uses “holier”, which is the comparative form, but the context requires a superlative to indicate the highest degree of holiness.
Grammatical concept:
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Comparative: holier → used to compare two things.
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Superlative: holiest → used to show the highest degree among many.
Incorrectness of the concept in context: Using “holier” implies comparison with only one other city, but the sentence intends to show Sipylus as the most sacred city in Lydia.
How to correct: Replace “holier” with “the holiest.”
Correct phrase/ correction: the holiest
Final sentence: According to Greek mythology, Sipylus is the holiest city of Lydia.
Hence, the chosen option is correct.