Question

Pick out the most effective word from the given words to fill the blanks to make the sentence meaningfully complete.
All animals.......... equal, but some animals are more equal ..........others.

• A. May, then
• B. Are, then
• C. Are, than
• D. May, than

Hint:

Do not confuse "than" and "then". "Than" is a conjunction used for comparisons (e.g., taller \textbf{than} me). "Then" is an adverb used for time or sequence (e.g., First we eat, \textbf{then} we go).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Sentence
This is the famous paradoxical line from George Orwell's "Animal Farm". The first blank needs a verb to state the initial principle of equality. The second blank needs a conjunction to complete the comparative phrase "more equal ________ others".

Step 2: Evaluating the Options


First Blank: The sentence is making a statement of fact (within the context of the story's rules). The verb "are" is the correct form of "to be" for the plural subject "All animals". "May" would suggest possibility, which is not the intended meaning.

Second Blank: The phrase "more equal" is a comparative structure. The word used to complete a comparison is "than". "Then" is an adverb of time. So, the second word must be "than".

Let's check the pairs:
(A) May, then: Both incorrect.

(B) Are, then: "Then" is incorrect.

(C) Are, than: Both words fit perfectly. "All animals are equal... more equal than others."

(D) May, than: "May" is incorrect.


Step 3: Final Answer
The verb "Are" is correct for the first statement, and the conjunction "than" is correct for the comparison. Therefore, option (C) is the correct answer.