Mount Everest: Understanding Correct Grammar and Usage

The question asks us to identify the grammatically correct way to complete the sentence, "Mount Everest is ____________." This involves understanding the rules for using articles, especially with superlative adjectives.

Grammar Rule: Superlative Adjectives and Articles

In English grammar, when we use a superlative adjective (like 'highest', 'tallest', 'biggest', which describe the extreme degree of a quality), we almost always precede it with the definite article "the". This is because the superlative refers to one specific item or group that stands out from all others.

• Superlative form: Adjectives ending in -est (e.g., highest) or preceded by 'most' (e.g., most beautiful).
• Article usage: Always use "the" before a superlative adjective when it describes a specific noun.
• Example: "Mount Everest is the highest peak in the world." Here, 'highest' describes 'peak', and 'the' specifies that it is uniquely the highest among all peaks.

Analysis of Options for Mount Everest Sentence

Option 1: The Highest Peak in the World

• This option uses "the" before "highest peak".
• "Highest" is a superlative adjective, and it correctly uses "the" to specify that Mount Everest is the single, unique highest peak.
• "Peak" is singular, which is appropriate as Mount Everest is one peak.
• Conclusion: This option is grammatically correct and aligns with the rules for using superlative adjectives.

Option 2: Highest Peak in the World

• This option omits "the" before "highest peak".
• As per grammar rules, superlative adjectives describing a specific noun must be preceded by "the".
• Conclusion: This option is grammatically incorrect.

Option 3: One of Highest Peak in the World

• This option omits "the" before "highest peak".
• Additionally, the phrase "one of the" must be followed by a plural noun (e.g., "one of the highest peaks"). Here, "peak" is singular.
• Conclusion: This option is grammatically incorrect due to the missing article and the singular noun after "one of".

Option 4: One of the Highest Peak in the World

• This option correctly includes "the" before "highest".
• However, similar to Option 3, the phrase "one of the" must be followed by a plural noun. It should be "one of the highest peaks", not "peak".
• Conclusion: This option is grammatically incorrect because it uses a singular noun ("peak") after "one of the highest".

Final Conclusion

Based on the grammatical rules for superlative adjectives, the only correct way to complete the sentence "Mount Everest is ____________." is by using "the highest peak in the world". The definite article "the" is essential when referring to a unique superlative.