Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The English language employs three degrees of comparison for adjectives: positive, comparative, and superlative. These degrees are used to express the relative intensity of a quality. The positive degree describes a quality without comparison (e.g., 'costly'), the comparative degree compares two things (e.g., 'more costly'), and the superlative degree compares three or more things (e.g., 'costliest'). This question requires the conversion of a sentence from the superlative to the comparative degree, ensuring the original meaning remains intact.
The original sentence is: "Gold is the costliest metal."
Rewriting in Comparative Degree
To rewrite the sentence in the comparative degree without altering its meaning, we need to compare gold with another metal. Since the original sentence implies gold is the most expensive, we can rephrase it to indicate gold is more expensive than other metals.
The rewritten sentence is: "Gold is more costly than most other metals."
Explanation of the Change
- "Costliest" (Superlative) has been changed to "more costly" (Comparative).
- The phrase "than most other metals" has been added to complete the comparison. This clarifies *what* gold is more costly than. Without this, the comparative form would be incomplete and grammatically incorrect.
It's important to note that simply saying "Gold is more costly than metal" is not ideal. "Metal" is too broad a category. Specifying "most other metals" provides a more accurate and meaningful comparison, aligning with the original sentence's implication.
Alternatively, if a specific metal is being compared, the sentence could be: "Gold is more costly than silver." However, the question doesn't provide a specific metal for comparison, making "most other metals" the most appropriate choice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the correct transformation of the sentence "Gold is the costliest metal" into the comparative degree, while preserving its meaning, is "Gold is more costly than most other metals." This demonstrates a clear understanding of grammatical rules and the nuances of comparative language. The addition of "than most other metals" is crucial for a complete and accurate comparative statement.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.