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Adjectives are words that
modify or describe a noun or a pronoun. When used
to compare nouns, many adjectives change form. It
is important to understand the different ways to
make comparisons using adjectives so that your word
choice is correct and clear. Before we begin, let’s
review some definitions.
Comparative –
an adjective form that
indicates a greater degree or develops a comparison
between two elements. Most one- or two-syllable
adjectives add the –er suffix to indicate
comparison. With adjectives that exceed two
syllables, the correct way to denote comparison is
by adding the word more or less for
comparative form.
Ex.
the dimmer bulb,
the heavier book, more dependable
Superlative –
an adjective form that
indicates the greatest degree or develops a
comparison between three or more elements. Most
one- or two-syllable adjectives in superlative form
add the –est suffix. Longer adjectives use
the word most or least in superlative
form.
Ex. the slowest
runner, the dumbest movie, the most
inept
Be aware that some
frequently used modifiers have irregular forms:
little, less, least; good/well, better, best; bad,
worse, worst; far, further/farther,
furthest/farthest. Always consult a dictionary if
you are unsure about a word form.
Now that we have
identified the various adjective forms used for
comparison, let’s look at how to use them and the
problems that can occur.
1.
When you make a
comparison, make sure that the comparison is
complete so that the items being compared are
clear.
Ex. Feminist
literary theorists have experienced greater
success in accessing academic power than
women’s historians have had because the field of
professional historical discourse has inherent rules
established as a method of safeguarding knowledge.
(Correct)
Ex.
The article on diplomacy is an easier read
than the book on Chicago during the Gilded Age.
(Correct)
In these two examples, the
word than completes the comparison by
indicating the second element being compared. Let’s
look at one where the comparison is not complete.
Ex.
The poststructuralist
approach is more debated. (Incorrect)
The reason the example
above is incorrect is because the comparison is
incomplete--should it be completed by "than other
approaches"? By "than ever"? The sentence doesn't
make clear what is being compared.
Ex. The
poststructuralist approach is more debated
than other linguistic theoretical approaches.
(Correct)
2. Comparative forms can
sometimes refer to more than two items if used with
the word other.
Ex.
In certain fields, using
primary source material is considered more
appropriate than relying on other source
types. (Correct)
The reason that a
comparative form works with the word other is
that the noun that follows is treated as a single
group.
3.
A comparison can be made
using comparative adjectives without the word
than if the comparison is implied in the
sentence structure.
Ex.
Of the two
schools Hannah applied to, the second was quicker
to respond to the request.
(Correct)
4. Never use a double
comparative (an adjective with an –er
ending combined with the word more) or
superlative (an adjective with an –est ending
combined with the word most).
Ex.
Brittany was a much more
fiercer debater than Carl. (Incorrect)
Ex.
Brittany was a much
fiercer debater than Carl. (Correct)
Ex.
The scholar is considered
the most greatest in her field because of her
level of expertise. (Incorrect)
Ex.
The scholar is considered
the greatest in her field because of her
level of expertise. (Correct)
5. The comparative
and superlative adjective forms should never be used
with an absolute concept, such as perfect or
unique, as absolutes have no degree of
comparison. Something is either unique (by
definition one of a kind) or it is not.
Ex.
Austin has the most
unique sense of style. (Incorrect)
Ex.
Austin has the most
unusual sense of style. (Correct) or
Austin has a unique sense of style. (Correct)
Ex.
The sculpture is the
most perfect example of contemporary art.
(Incorrect)
Ex.
The sculpture is the
most representative example of contemporary art.
(Correct) or The sculpture is the perfect
example of contemporary art. (Correct)
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