Final answer:
The correct answer is option a. The phrase 'in the first expression you hear' refers to comparing two expressions. The correct choice closest in meaning is 'fewer sports than'.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase 'in the first expression you hear' refers to a comparison between two expressions, with one being heard first. To determine which option is closest in meaning, we should analyze the given options:
a. fewer sports than: This means a smaller number of sports than another.
b. as many sports as: This means an equal number of sports as another.
c. many sports: This means a large number of sports.
d. more sports than: This means a larger number of sports than another.
From these options, the correct choice that is closest in meaning to 'in the first expression you hear' is a. fewer sports than. This means a smaller number of sports than another, which aligns with the given phrase.