In the same passage, complete the comparison: "monopolies that are much bigger ________________ the telcos."

Introduction / Context:
This cloze question tests a basic but important point of English grammar: the correct use of the word than in comparisons. The sentence compares the size of powerful Internet monopolies with that of telcos, so the preposition or conjunction that follows bigger must be chosen carefully to show comparison, not time or other relations.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- Sentence fragment: monopolies that are much bigger ________________ the telcos. - Options: then, than, to, of. - The context clearly indicates a comparison of size or power. - The sentence is part of a passage discussing how Internet monopolies compare to telecommunications companies.

Concept / Approach:
In English, the standard pattern for comparative adjectives is adjective plus than, as in bigger than, smaller than, more powerful than, and so on. The word then is used to indicate time sequence or consequence, not comparison. To and of do not function as comparative markers in this structure. Therefore, than is the only correct choice to complete the phrase bigger than the telcos.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify bigger as a comparative adjective that normally requires than to introduce the second element being compared. Step 2: Insert than after bigger: monopolies that are much bigger than the telcos. Step 3: Read the whole phrase and confirm that it expresses a clear comparison of relative size or influence. Step 4: Test then in the same place, which would suggest a time sequence and make the phrase ungrammatical. Step 5: Check to and of, which are used in other constructions but do not work after a comparative adjective. Step 6: Conclude that than is the only preposition or conjunction compatible with bigger in this context.

Verification / Alternative check:
Think of similar comparative sentences: This company is larger than its competitors or The new system is more efficient than the old one. In each case, than follows the comparative adjective. Replacing than with then, to, or of in these examples would clearly sound incorrect. Applying the same rule here shows that bigger than the telcos is the correct grammatical pattern.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Then is mainly used as an adverb of time or sequence, as in first we will discuss the plan, then we will vote. It does not mark comparison. To usually indicates direction or relationship, as in similar to or equal to, but those involve different structures. Of expresses possession or relation, not comparative contrast. None of these words can replace than after a comparative adjective like bigger.

Common Pitfalls:
Because than and then sound similar, many learners confuse them in writing, especially when typing quickly. However, exam questions deliberately test this difference. A handy tip is to remember that than usually appears in comparative sentences, while then usually appears in sequences of events or in conditional expressions such as if... then. Checking whether the sentence is making a comparison or indicating time can guide you to the correct choice.

Final Answer:
than is the correct word, giving the phrase monopolies that are much bigger than the telcos.