Q.1 Gauri said that she can play the keyboard __________ her sister.
(A) as well as
(B) as better as
(C) as nicest as
(D) as worse as
Correct Answer: (A) as well as
Gauri said that she can play the keyboard as well as her sister, meaning she plays with equal skill. This phrase correctly expresses equality in ability without implying superiority or inferiority.
Option Analysis
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(A) as well as: This structure compares equality using “as…as” with “well” as the adverb for skill level. It fits perfectly for stating equivalent performance in playing the keyboard.
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(B) as better as: Incorrect because “better” is a comparative adjective requiring “than,” not “as…as.” The structure “as better as” violates grammar rules for comparisons.
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(C) as nicest as: Wrong on two counts—”nicest” is superlative (highest degree among three or more), unsuitable for two-person comparison, and it needs “as nice as” for equality anyway.
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(D) as worse as: Invalid as “worse” is comparative and pairs with “than,” not “as…as.” “As worse as” is grammatically incorrect.
Gauri said that she can play the keyboard as well as her sister—this GATE CSE 2021 question tests comparative grammar rules crucial for exams like CSIR NET. The key phrase “as well as her sister” highlights equality in skill, a common trap in verbal aptitude sections.
Why “As Well As” Wins
“As well as” functions like “as…as” for equal comparisons, especially with adverbs like “well” meaning skillfully. In the sentence, it conveys Gauri’s keyboard playing matches her sister’s level exactly. This avoids confusion with addition (its other use) and fits exam contexts perfectly.
Breaking Down Wrong Options
Use this table for quick comparison of Gauri keyboard grammar options:
| Option | Structure Issue | Correct Form (if any) |
|---|---|---|
| (B) as better as | Comparative needs “than” | better than |
| (C) as nicest as | Superlative for 3+ items | as nice as |
| (D) as worse as | Comparative needs “than” | worse than |
These errors stem from mixing degrees: positive/equal (“as…as”), comparative (“-er/than”), superlative (“-est”).
Exam Tips for “As Well As Her Sister”
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Practice: She sings as well as him (equal); better than him (superior).
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GATE/CSIR NET Focus: Spot “as…as” for equality in verbal questions.
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Common Pitfall: “As well as” ≠ “and” for subjects—verb agrees with first noun.
