Question

    Directions: In each question below, a sentence is given with a part of it printed in bold type. That part may contain a grammatical error. Each sentence is followed by phrases (A), (B), (C) and (D). Find out which phrase should replace the phrase given in bold to correct the error, if there is any, and to make the sentence grammatically meaningful and correct. If the sentence is correct as it is and ‘No correction is required’ , mark (E) as the answer.

    In the days of the old German empire no less than

    thirty-five different tolls were levied between Melnik and Hamburg, to say nothing of the special dues and privileged exactions of various riparian owners and political authorities.
    A no fewer than thirty-five different tolls were levied Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    B no lesser than thirty-five different tolls were levied Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    C no few than thirty-five different tolls were levied Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    D no least than thirty-five different tolls were levied Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    E No improvement required Correct Answer Incorrect Answer

    Solution

    For uncountable plural nouns, ‘less’ is used. With countable plural nouns, the quantifier ‘few’ should be used. So here, ‘fewer’ is correct. In the days of the old German empire no fewer than thirty-five different tolls were levied between Melnik and Hamburg, to say nothing of the special dues and privileged exactions of various riparian owners and political authorities.

    Practice Next