Question Statement:
It is _________ to read this year's textbook than to read last year's textbook.
Options:
-
(A) easier
-
(B) most easy
-
(C) more easy
-
(D) easiest
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
### **Detailed Step-by-Step Solution (GATE AE 2017 Q.57)**
**1. Intuitive Physical Setup & Given Parameters**:
- Comparing two entities: "this year's textbook" versus "last year's textbook".
- Conjunction "than" marks a comparative degree construction.
**2. Step-by-Step Grammatical Derivation**:
1. **Comparative Degree of Two-Syllable Adjectives Ending in -y**:
- Adjective: *easy*.
- Two-syllable adjectives ending in *y* form their comparative degree by changing *y* to *ier*: *easy* $\to$ *easier* $\to$ *easiest*.
2. *More easy* is non-standard, while *most easy* and *easiest* are superlative degrees used for comparing three or more entities.
**3. Comprehensive Options & Distractor Analysis**:
- **(A)** *easier*: ✅ **CORRECT**. Standard comparative inflection.
- **(B)** *most easy*: ❌ Incorrect. Superlative.
- **(C)** *more easy*: ❌ Incorrect. Grammatically non-standard when *easier* exists.
- **(D)** *easiest*: ❌ Incorrect. Superlative.
**4. Official Master Key & Exam Takeaway**:
- **Official Answer**: **A**
- **Exam Rule**: Two-syllable adjectives ending in -y take *-ier* (*easier, prettier, happier*).
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