Question:medium

A part of the following sentence is underlined which may contain an error. Choose the option that best replaces the underlined part.

This rule is of the most universal application.

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Some adjectives, like "universal", are absolute and cannot be modified by "more" or "most".
Updated On: Jul 21, 2026
  • most universal application
  • the more universal application
  • Universal application
  • the universal application
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Words like "universal", "complete" and "perfect" already carry a maximum meaning, so grading them with "more" or "most" is redundant and wrong. The idiom is simply "of universal application".

  • Universal application keeps the absolute adjective plain, which is what the idiom requires.
  • most universal application forces a superlative onto a non-gradable word.
  • the more universal application does the same with a comparative.
  • the universal application adds an unnecessary article to the set phrase.

So the sentence should be "This rule is of universal application."

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