Improve the bracketed part of the sentence by choosing the correct comparative structure: Usually the climate in the Northern parts of India is cooler (from) the Southern parts.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: than

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Sentence improvement questions often focus on comparative structures and correct use of prepositions. Here, the sentence compares the climate in the Northern parts of India with the climate in the Southern parts. The bracketed preposition "from" is incorrect in standard comparative grammar, and we must replace it with the correct word.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Sentence: Usually the climate in the Northern parts of India is cooler (from) the Southern parts.
  • The adjective "cooler" sets up a comparison between two regions.
  • We must choose the proper word to complete the comparative pattern.


Concept / Approach:
Comparative adjectives such as "cooler," "hotter," "bigger," and "smaller" are typically followed by the conjunction "than" in English. The standard structure is "A is cooler than B." Prepositions like "from," "to," or "with" do not correctly link the two compared items in this context. Therefore, the bracketed word "from" must be replaced by "than" to make the sentence grammatical and natural.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: Identify the comparative adjective in the sentence: "cooler." Step 2: Recall the basic comparative pattern: "X is cooler than Y," not "cooler from Y" or "cooler to Y." Step 3: Replace the bracketed word "from" with "than": "Usually the climate in the Northern parts of India is cooler than the Southern parts." Step 4: Check that the sentence now reads smoothly and matches standard English usage.


Verification / Alternative check:
We can test the structure using other comparatives: "This city is hotter than that city," "Her car is faster than his," "The days are shorter than the nights in winter." In all such examples, "than" correctly introduces the second item in the comparison. Substituting "from," "with," or "to" would be ungrammatical. Similarly, "cooler than the Southern parts" is the only acceptable pattern here.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Option A: "as" would fit in a different structure, such as "as cool as," but that would change the meaning from "cooler than" to "equally cool." Option B: "to" does not work after comparatives like "cooler"; we do not say "cooler to" in this context. Option D: "with" would suggest association rather than comparison and is grammatically incorrect here. Option E: "no improvement" would keep the incorrect "from," so it cannot be the right choice.


Common Pitfalls:
Many learners mix up comparative patterns and sometimes transfer structures from their first language into English. A useful rule is: when you see adjectives ending in "-er" or preceded by "more," the word "than" almost always follows the second element of comparison. Remembering standard examples like "better than," "more interesting than," and "cooler than" can help avoid errors.


Final Answer:
The bracketed word should be replaced with than, giving: "Usually the climate in the Northern parts of India is cooler than the Southern parts."

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