Understanding Superlative Degree in English Grammar

The question asks us to select the correct superlative degree of comparison for the sentence, specifically focusing on the adjective "inner". Adjectives have different degrees of comparison: positive, comparative, and superlative. These degrees are used to compare quantities, qualities, or relationships.

• Positive Degree: This is the basic form of the adjective. It describes a quality without comparison (e.g., inner, tall, happy).
• Comparative Degree: This degree is used to compare two things. It is often formed by adding '-er' to the adjective or using 'more' before it (e.g., taller, happier, more beautiful). For "inner", the comparative form is less standardly used with '-er' or 'more', but the word itself can imply a relative position or depth.
• Superlative Degree: This degree is used to compare three or more things and indicates the highest degree of the quality. It is often formed by adding '-est' to the adjective or using 'most' before it (e.g., tallest, happiest, most beautiful). For some adjectives, like "inner", the superlative form is irregular or less common, such as "innermost".

We are given the sentence "I told him my inner feelings." Here, "inner" is in the positive degree, simply describing the feelings as being on the inside or private.

We need to find the sentence that uses the superlative degree of "inner" to describe feelings that are the deepest or most private. The superlative form of "inner" is typically "innermost".

Analyzing the Options

Let's examine each option provided:

• Option 1: "I told him my feelings."

  This sentence removes the adjective "inner" entirely. It does not use any degree of comparison, let alone the superlative degree. This option does not fulfil the requirement.

• Option 2: "I told him my in feelings."

  This sentence uses "in" where an adjective should be. "In" is a preposition and does not function as an adjective describing feelings in this context. This is grammatically incorrect and does not use a degree of comparison.

• Option 3: "I told him my more inner feelings."

  This option attempts to use a comparative or superlative structure. While "more" is used for comparative degree with some adjectives, "more inner" is not the standard comparative or superlative form of "inner". The correct superlative form is "innermost".

• Option 4: "I told him my innermost feelings."

  This sentence uses the word "innermost". "Innermost" is the correct superlative degree of the adjective "inner". It describes the feelings that are the most profound, deepest, or most hidden inside. This sentence correctly applies the superlative form.

Based on the analysis, the sentence using the correct superlative degree of "inner" is "I told him my innermost feelings."

Conclusion: Identifying the Correct Superlative Form

The adjective "inner" refers to something located inside. When we want to express the idea of something being located deepest inside or being the most private or profound, we use the superlative form, which is "innermost". The sentence "I told him my innermost feelings" correctly uses the superlative degree of "inner" to describe the deepest level of feelings.

Revision Table: Adjective Degrees

Understanding the different forms of adjectives is crucial for correct sentence construction.

Additional Information: Irregular Adjectives and Degrees

While most adjectives form their comparative and superlative degrees by adding suffixes (-er, -est) or using 'more'/'most', some adjectives have irregular forms. Examples include good (better, best), bad (worse, worst), and far (farther/further, farthest/furthest).

The adjective "inner" is somewhat unique. While "inner" itself can sometimes function comparably (e.g., "an inner room is further in than an outer room"), it doesn't typically follow the standard -er/-est or more/most pattern for expressing relative degree like "taller" or "more beautiful". Its primary comparative use is spatial or conceptual comparison without a distinct form. However, its superlative form "innermost" is well-established and means the furthest inside or most profound.

Recognizing these irregular or less common forms like "innermost" is important for mastering the superlative degree in English grammar.