Turn to the Handbook of Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage at the end of this book and review all of Section 1.4 (Adjectives). Then look at the following 10 items and identify the preferred choice within each set of parentheses. (You can find answers to these exercises in the Answer Key at the end of the book.)

1. Of the two products, this one has the (greater, greatest)

potential.

2. The (most perfect, perfect) solution is d.

3. Here is the (interesting, most interesting) of all the ideas I have heard so far.

4. The (hardest, harder) part of my job is firing people.

5. A (highly placed, highly-placed) source revealed Dotson’s

(last ditch, last-ditch) efforts to cover up the mistake.

6. A (top secret, top-secret) document was taken from the president’s office last night.

7. A (30 year old, 30-year-old) person should know better.

8. The two companies are engaged in an (all-out no-holdsbarred;

all-out, no-holds-barred) struggle for dominance.

9. A (tiny metal; tiny, metal) shaving is responsible for the problem.

10. You’ll receive our (usual cheerful prompt; usual, cheerful, prompt; usual cheerful, prompt) service.