These stones are the _____ things I've ever seen.a)rareb)rarerc)rarel...
Understanding the Degree of Adjectives
In English grammar, adjectives can express different degrees of comparison: positive, comparative, and superlative.
Types of Degree of Adjectives:
- Positive Degree: This is the base form of the adjective (e.g., "rare").
- Comparative Degree: This form is used to compare two things (e.g., "rarer").
- Superlative Degree: This form is used to compare three or more things, indicating the highest degree (e.g., "rarest").
Context of the Sentence
The sentence provided is: "These stones are the _____ things I've ever seen."
To fill in the blank correctly, we need to consider:
- The phrase "the _____ things" indicates a comparison among multiple items, suggesting we are looking for a superlative form.
- The use of "ever seen" emphasizes that we are talking about the most exceptional or extreme cases, reinforcing the need for a superlative adjective.
Why 'rarest' is Correct
- The correct option is d) rarest because it is the superlative form of the adjective "rare."
- It communicates that out of all the things seen, these stones are the most unusual or hard to find.
Conclusion
In summary, when comparing multiple items and emphasizing the highest degree, the superlative form is necessary. Thus, "rarest" is the appropriate choice in this context.
These stones are the _____ things I've ever seen.a)rareb)rarerc)rarel...
Use of ‘the’ for superlatives