Introduction / Context:
This question examines the correct use of comparative structures in English. The sentence uses the pairing “best … than”, which is incorrect. When comparing two actions, we normally use “better … than”, not “best … than”. The error lies in the choice of the adjective in the first clause.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Sentence: “It is best to be silent than to speak in anger.”
- Part (A): “It is best”
- Part (B): “to be silent”
- Part (C): “than to speak in anger.”
- Part (D): “No Error”
- We are comparing two alternatives: being silent vs speaking in anger.
Concept / Approach:
In English, the structure “better … than …” is used to compare two choices. “Best” is the superlative form and is not normally paired directly with “than” in such two-part comparisons. The correct sentence should therefore be “It is better to be silent than to speak in anger.” The rest of the sentence is fine. So, the error is in the use of “best” instead of “better” in part (A).
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the comparison: we are comparing “to be silent” and “to speak in anger”.
Step 2: For a simple comparison of two actions, English uses the comparative adjective “better”, not the superlative “best”.
Step 3: Rephrase mentally: “It is better to be silent than to speak in anger.” This sounds correct and idiomatic.
Step 4: Confirm that parts (B) and (C) are structurally sound and that only the degree of comparison in part (A) is wrong.
Step 5: Therefore, part (A) contains the error.
Verification / Alternative check:
Compare with similar proverbs: “It is better to be safe than sorry”, “It is better to give than to receive”. All use “better” plus “than”, not “best”.
Substituting “best” in those proverbs would make them ungrammatical or unnatural, confirming that the same applies here.
The corrected version, “It is better to be silent than to speak in anger”, aligns with standard patterns.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B: “to be silent” is correct as an infinitive phrase functioning as the subject complement.
Option C: “than to speak in anger” correctly introduces the second action in the comparison.
Option D: “No Error” is incorrect because the wrong degree of comparison is clearly used in part (A).
Common Pitfalls:
Many learners confuse comparative and superlative forms and sometimes use “best” where “better” is required.
Direct translation from other languages may not distinguish between comparative and superlative degrees in the same way English does.
Not noticing that only two items are being compared leads some students to accept “best” without question.
Final Answer:
The error is in part A. The correct sentence is “It is better to be silent than to speak in anger.”
Discussion & Comments