In the following sentence four words or phrases have been underlined, one of which is not correct. Select the incorrect word or phrase from the given options. Rice of a best quality is available in the grocery shop in our colony at a reasonable price.

1. A

   A reasonable price

2. B

   In the grocery shop

3. C

   A best quality

4. D

   In our colony

Appeared in: CGHS SSC - 2018

Explanation

• The phrase 'a best quality' is grammatically incorrect because 'best' is a superlative adjective.
• Superlative adjectives, which denote the highest degree of a quality (e.g., best, tallest, fastest), must be preceded by the definite article 'the' to specify a unique item.
• The indefinite article 'a' is used for non-specific, singular nouns and is inappropriate for a superlative that singles out one item from a group.
• Therefore, the correct phrasing is 'the best quality'.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option A: The phrase 'A reasonable price' is grammatically correct. The indefinite article 'a' is properly used before the adjective 'reasonable' to refer to a non-specific price.
• Option B: The phrase 'In the grocery shop' is a correct prepositional phrase. 'In' indicates location, and 'the' specifies a particular grocery shop known to the speaker.
• Option D: The phrase 'In our colony' is a correct prepositional phrase that properly indicates the location of the grocery shop.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Use of articles with superlative adjectives as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
• This question assesses proficiency in general English, a skill crucial for all professionals.
• In nursing, precise and grammatically correct language is vital for clear and unambiguous patient documentation, handover reports, and communication with colleagues and patients.
• Errors in communication can lead to misunderstandings and potentially compromise patient safety.

How to Approach the Question

• First, read the entire sentence to understand its overall meaning: 'Rice of a best quality is available in the grocery shop in our colony at a reasonable price.'
• Next, examine each of the four underlined phrases individually to check for grammatical correctness.
• Focus on the phrase 'a best quality'. Recognize that 'best' is the superlative form of the adjective 'good'.
• Recall the fundamental grammar rule that superlative adjectives are preceded by the definite article 'the', not the indefinite article 'a' or 'an'.
• This rule exists because a superlative identifies one specific item as having the most of a quality, making it definite.
• Conclude that 'a best quality' is the incorrect phrase and should be 'the best quality'.

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: Use of articles with superlative adjectives
• Stem keywords: Rice, best quality, grocery shop, reasonable price
• Lead-in keywords: incorrect word or phrase
• Negative lead-in flag: INCORRECT changes the reasoning strategy; look for the exception or incorrect statement rather than the true statement.

Question ID

QlOn80rz5-jB-bkh2JixeR

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