Question

A part of the following sentence is underlined which may contain an error. Choose the option that best replaces the underlined part.

This rule is of the most universal application.

• A. most universal application
• B. the more universal application
• C. Universal application
• D. the universal application

Hint:

Some adjectives, like "universal", are absolute and cannot be modified by "more" or "most".

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

"Universal" is an absolute adjective; something is either universal or it is not, so it cannot be compared with "most" or "more". The phrase should simply read "of universal application".

• Universal application is correct because it drops the illogical comparative/superlative and leaves the absolute adjective standing alone.
• most universal application is wrong because an absolute adjective takes no superlative.
• the more universal application is wrong because "universal" cannot be graded with "more" either.
• the universal application is wrong because the fixed phrase "of universal application" needs no article "the".

The correct sentence is "This rule is of universal application."