Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the highlighted segment in the given sentence.
This is the old tree in the colony.

Correct option is B

The correct substitution of the highlighted segment is "oldest."
Explanation:
· The superlative degree of "old" is "oldest", which is used when comparing more than two entities.
· In the given sentence, "This is the oldest tree in the colony" is correct because it refers to the most aged tree among all trees in the colony.
· "Most old" is incorrect because "old" is a simple adjective, and its correct superlative form is "oldest."
Grammatical Rule Used:
· Comparative degree: Used when comparing two entities (e.g., "This tree is older than that one.")
· Superlative degree: Used when comparing more than two entities (e.g., "This is the oldest tree in the colony.")
Examples:
· ✅ Correct: "This is the oldest building in the city."
· ❌ Incorrect: "This is the most old building in the city."
Meanings of the other options and why they are incorrect:
· Most old – Incorrect, as "oldest" is the correct superlative form.
· Elder – Used for people, not objects (e.g., "My elder brother").
· Older – Comparative degree, used for two objects, but the sentence needs the superlative degree.