Question

Pick out the most effective word from the given words to fill the blanks to make the sentence meaningfully complete.
I am the ..........man alive, for I know one thing, and that is that I .......... nothing.

• A. Wiser, knowing
• B. Wise, knows
• C. More wise, knows
• D. Wisest, know

Hint:

Pay close attention to adjective degrees (positive, comparative, superlative). Phrases like "of all" or "man alive" are strong clues that the superlative form (ending in -est or preceded by 'most') is required. Also, always check for basic subject-verb agreement (I know, he knows).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Sentence
This is a famous paradoxical statement attributed to Socrates (the Socratic paradox). The first blank needs an adjective to describe the man. The phrase "man alive" suggests a superlative degree (the most ________ of all men who are alive). The second blank needs a verb that agrees with the subject "I".

Step 2: Evaluating the Options


(A) Wiser, knowing: "Wiser" is a comparative adjective, not superlative. "Knowing" is a present participle, not a finite verb for the subject "I".

(B) Wise, knows: "Wise" is a positive adjective. The superlative is needed. "Knows" is the third-person singular form of the verb, which does not agree with "I".

(C) More wise, knows: "More wise" is comparative. "Knows" does not agree with "I".

(D) Wisest, know: "Wisest" is the superlative adjective, which fits the context of "man alive" perfectly. The verb "know" is the correct first-person singular form that agrees with the subject "I". This option fits both blanks correctly.


Step 3: Final Answer
The sentence requires the superlative form "Wisest" and the first-person verb "know". Therefore, option (D) is the correct answer.