She runs _____ athlete in her team.

Appeared in: DSSSB 14 August 2024

Explanation

The phrase 'faster than any other' correctly uses the comparative form ('faster') of the one-syllable adverb 'fast'.
This grammatical structure is specifically used to compare a single subject ('She') against all other members of the same group ('her team').
The rule is to use the comparative form + 'than any other' + a singular noun ('athlete') to exclude the subject from the group for a logical comparison.

Option B: This option uses the positive degree 'fast' before 'than'. The presence of 'than' signals a comparison, which requires the comparative degree ('faster').
Option C: This option incorrectly mixes the superlative degree ('fastest') with the comparative word 'than'. Superlatives are used to single out one from a group and are typically preceded by 'the'.
Option D: The phrase 'more fast' is grammatically incorrect. For one-syllable adverbs and adjectives, the comparative form is created by adding '-er' (faster), not by adding 'more'.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Correct usage of comparative and superlative degrees of adverbs as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
While this is a grammar question, clear and precise communication is a critical skill for nurses. Correct grammar ensures that clinical documentation, patient instructions, and handoff reports are unambiguous and professional.
Using correct comparative language helps in accurately describing patient progress or changes in condition, for example, 'The patient is breathing more easily today than yesterday.'.
What if? - If the sentence was intended to state she is number one without comparison to others, you would use the superlative: 'She is the fastest athlete in her team.'.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the sentence to understand its purpose. The blank space and the word 'than' indicate that a comparison is being made.
Identify what is being compared. The sentence compares 'She' to the rest of the 'athlete[s] in her team'.
Recall the rules for degrees of comparison. 'Fast' is a one-syllable adverb.
Determine the correct form. For one-syllable words, the comparative is formed by adding '-er' (faster) and the superlative by adding '-est' (fastest). This eliminates 'more fast'.
Evaluate the structure. To compare one member against the rest of its group, the correct phrase is 'comparative form + than any other'. This points directly to 'faster than any other'.
Check the other options to confirm they are grammatically incorrect in this context. 'fast than' is the wrong degree, and 'fastest than' incorrectly mixes superlative and comparative structures.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Correct usage of comparative and superlative degrees of adverbs.
Stem keywords: runs, athlete, team
Lead-in keywords: BEST, MOST RELEVANT CLUE

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Practise the full DSSSB 14 August 2024

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.