Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The English language employs degrees of comparison to indicate the relative intensity of a quality. These degrees are positive, comparative, and superlative. While comparative adjectives compare two entities, superlative adjectives compare one entity to all others within a group. The given statement, "Mumbai is richer than most other cities in India," utilizes the comparative degree. Transforming this into a superlative form requires careful consideration of grammatical rules and maintaining the original meaning.
The superlative degree of the given sentence is: Mumbai is the richest city in India.
Explanation of the Transformation
The transformation from comparative to superlative involves several key changes:
- Use of 'the': Superlative adjectives are typically preceded by the definite article 'the'.
- Adjective form: The adjective 'rich' is transformed into its superlative form, 'richest'. This is generally achieved by adding '-est' to short adjectives.
- Scope of comparison: The comparative form compares Mumbai to 'most other cities'. The superlative form implies a comparison to *all* cities in India.
Grammatical Rules Illustrated
This exercise demonstrates the application of fundamental English grammar rules regarding degrees of comparison. Understanding these rules is crucial for effective communication and accurate writing.
Alternative phrasing (less common but acceptable)
While "Mumbai is the richest city in India" is the most natural and concise answer, a slightly more verbose but still grammatically correct phrasing could be: "Mumbai is richer than any other city in India." However, the first option is preferred for its brevity and clarity.
Why other options are incorrect
- "Mumbai is richest in India" - Missing the definite article 'the' makes it grammatically incorrect.
- "Mumbai is the richer city in India" - Using 'the richer' is incorrect; the superlative form 'richest' is required.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the correct superlative form of the sentence "Mumbai is richer than most other cities in India" is "Mumbai is the richest city in India." This transformation accurately reflects the comparative meaning while adhering to the grammatical rules governing superlative adjectives. The exercise highlights the importance of precise language use and a strong grasp of English grammar fundamentals.
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.