Dear Friends,
Here is a detailed explanation to this question-
noboru wrote:
Of the twin supernovas, the most recently discovered is the largest, but it is the small one that has irrevocably altered astronomers’ ideas about the origins of the universe.
(A) the most recently discovered is the largest, but it is the small one
(B) the one most recently discovered is the largest, but it is the small one
(C) the most recently discovered is larger, but it is the smaller
(D) the more recently discovered one is the large one but the small one
(E) the more recently discovered is the larger, but it is the smaller one
Concepts tested here: Comparisons + Awkwardness/Redundancy• To draw a comparison, an adjective must be in the comparative or superlative form; the comparative forms are used to compare two elements, and superlative forms are used to compare more than two elements.
A:1/ This answer choice incorrectly uses the superlative adjectives "most recently discovered" and "largest" to compare two things - "the twin supernovas"; remember, the comparative forms are used to compare two elements, and superlative forms are used to compare more than two elements.
2/ Option A incorrectly uses the absolute adjective "small" to draw a comparison; remember, to draw a comparison, an adjective must be in the comparative or superlative form; the comparative forms are used to compare two elements, and superlative forms are used to compare more than two elements.
B: Trap.
1/ This answer choice incorrectly uses the superlative adjectives "most recently discovered" and "largest" to compare two things - "the twin supernovas"; remember, the comparative forms are used to compare two elements, and superlative forms are used to compare more than two elements.
2/ Option B incorrectly uses the absolute adjective "small" to draw a comparison; remember, to draw a comparison, an adjective must be in the comparative or superlative form; the comparative forms are used to compare two elements, and superlative forms are used to compare more than two elements.
3/ Option B uses the needlessly wordy phrase "the one most recently discovered", leading to awkwardness and redundancy.
C: Trap.
1/ This answer choice incorrectly uses the superlative adjective "most recently discovered" to compare two things - "the twin supernovas"; remember, the comparative forms are used to compare two elements, and superlative forms are used to compare more than two elements.
D:1/ This answer choice incorrectly uses the absolute adjectives "large" and "small" to draw a comparison; remember, to draw a comparison, an adjective must be in the comparative or superlative form; the comparative forms are used to compare two elements, and superlative forms are used to compare more than two elements.
E: Correct.1/ This answer choice correctly uses the comparative adjectives "more recently discovered", "larger", and "smaller" to compare two things - "the twin supernovas".
2/ Option E is free of any awkwardness or redundancy.
Hence, E is the best answer choice.All the best!
Experts' Global Team
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