XTEEN

Comparatives and Superlatives 


1) Use words ending in -er or modified by the word more to compare two items. This is known as the   comparative degree. Use words ending in -est or modified by the word most to compare three or  more items. This is known as the superlative degree. 

Correct:    K2 is taller than Annapurna. 
Incorrect: Annapurna is the taller of the three peaks. (Three or more requires superlative.) 
Correct:    Annapurna is the tallest of the three peaks. 


2) -er and -est are added to two-syllable words unless the new word sounds awkward. 

Correct:     fairer prettier handsomest 


3) Use the modifiers more or most with all root words longer than two syllables as well as with two syllable words that sound awkward. Always use more or most with adverbs that end in -ly. 

Incorrect:   beautifuller smoothliest 
Correct:     more beautiful most smoothly 
Correct:     friendliest beastliest (adjectives, not adverbs)

Less and least form comparisons of a lesser degree in a similar manner.
Less is used when comparing two items, least with three or more. 

 

Irregular Comparisons

                 A few of the comparatives and superlatives in English do not follow the usual pattern. Here is a list of common exceptions.
Positive                    Comparative                 Superlative

bad                            worse                             worst
far(distance)               farther                           farthest
far(extent)                 further                           furthest
good                          better                            best
ill                                worse                             worst
late                            later                                latest or last
less                            lesser                              least
little(amount)             less                                 least
many                        more                               most
much                        more                               most
well                            better                             best

 

Comparison Problems

There are five problems writers sometimes have with comparisons.

1. Make sure you are comparing similar items.

2. Make sure your comparison is balanced. Use the same pattern on both sides of the comparison to make it readable and clear.

3. When comparing people or items that are grouped together, it may be necessary to use the word  other or else to make the meaning clear.

4. The words major and minor are comparative forms that have lost some of their original usage. However, it is nonstandard to add -ly to them just as it is to add -ly to any comparative adjective or adverb that ends in -er.

5. Avoid the double comparison. Words that end in -er or -est and certain irregular comparisons do not need to be modified with the words more, most, less, or least since they are already comparative or superlative. 

            Similarly, do not add an -er or -est to an irregular comparison for the same reason.


Credit : http://englishplus.com/grammar/stylcont.htm 

   

edit @ 6 Jan 2009 21:41:06 by xteenn