In the following question, the sentence is given with blank to be filled in with an appropriate word. Select the correct alternative out of the four and indicate it by selecting the appropriate option. He is as firm ______ rock.
as
Understanding the Sentence Structure and Blank
The sentence provided is: "He is as firm ______ rock." This sentence structure is commonly used in English to make a comparison, indicating that someone or something possesses a quality to the same degree as something else. The pattern is usually "as + adjective/adverb + as".
In this sentence, the quality being described is "firm". The sentence compares the degree of his firmness to that of "rock". We need to find the word that correctly completes the comparison structure "as firm ______ rock".
Analyzing the Given Options
Let's look at the provided options and see how each one fits into the blank:
- of
- like
- as
- to
Evaluating Option 1: 'of'
If we insert 'of' into the blank, the sentence becomes "He is as firm of rock." This construction does not follow the standard grammatical pattern for comparison using 'as'. 'Of' is typically used to show possession, relationship, or composition, which isn't the intended meaning here.
Evaluating Option 2: 'like'
If we insert 'like' into the blank, the sentence becomes "He is as firm like rock." While 'like' is used for comparison, the structure "as + adjective + like" is generally incorrect in standard English. The correct structure using 'like' for comparison is typically "He is firm like a rock" or "He is firm like rock" (though the former is more common). The presence of the first 'as' dictates the need for a different word to complete the comparison.
Evaluating Option 4: 'to'
If we insert 'to' into the blank, the sentence becomes "He is as firm to rock." 'To' is usually used to indicate direction, destination, or relationship, none of which fit the context of comparing the degree of firmness. This makes the sentence grammatically incorrect and nonsensical in this context.
Evaluating Option 3: 'as'
If we insert 'as' into the blank, the sentence becomes "He is as firm as rock." This perfectly matches the standard comparative structure "as + adjective/adverb + as", which is used to show that two things are equal in respect to the quality mentioned. The phrase "as firm as a rock" (or "as firm as rock" in a simplified form) is a common simile meaning someone is very stable, resolute, or unyielding.
Conclusion
Based on the analysis of the sentence structure and the options, only 'as' correctly completes the comparative phrase "as firm ______ rock" according to standard English grammar.
The completed sentence is: He is as firm as rock.
Revision Table: Comparing Words
| Word | Typical Use | Fits "as firm ______ rock"? | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| of | Possession, relationship, composition | No | Doesn't fit the comparative structure. |
| like | Comparison | No | Incorrect structure with the preceding 'as'. |
| as | Comparison (equal degree) | Yes | Completes the "as + adjective + as" structure. |
| to | Direction, relationship, destination | No | Doesn't fit the comparative context. |
Additional Information on Comparative Structures
The structure "as + adjective/adverb + as" is a fundamental way to show equality in comparison in English. For example:
- She is as tall as her brother.
- He ran as quickly as he could.
- The blue car is as fast as the red one.
This structure is often used in similes, which are figures of speech comparing two different things using "like" or "as" to make a description more emphatic or vivid. "As firm as a rock" is a well-known simile.
Understanding this common grammatical pattern helps in filling in the blank correctly in sentences like the one given.
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