a turn for the better vs. a turn for the best

[Harald]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #706 "English Slang Idioms (448)", question 1

"Thanks to this new computer program, that reduces the amount of paperwork we have to do, I have much more time and much less stress. This job has definitely taken a turn for the .........," Larry said to Thomas.

(a) extreme
(b) super
(c) better
(d) sunny

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #706 "English Slang Idioms (448)", answer 1

"Thanks to this new computer program, that reduces the amount of paperwork we have to do, I have much more time and much less stress. This job has definitely taken a turn for the better," Larry said to Thomas.

Correct answer: (c) better

Your answer was: incorrect
"Thanks to this new computer program, that reduces the amount of paperwork we have to do, I have much more time and much less stress. This job has definitely taken a turn for the extreme," Larry said to Thomas.
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Hi :

I think : the best must be the coreect answer as the following rule .
the + superlative .

please , feed me back .

[Alan]

Hi,

You are right when you say 'the best' is the superlative when there are at least three possibilities. In this sentence 'a turn for the better' simply means the job has improved and it has become 'better (comparative)' than it was before.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
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