Using Comparisons
Using Comparisons
You can use modifiers to compare two or more things. There are three forms, or degrees, of comparison.
Making Comparisons |
The basic form of an adjective or adverb Modifies one person, thing, or action. |
Our vacation was expensive. |
The comparative form compares two. |
Our hotel bills were costlier than our transportation bills. |
The superlative form compares three or more. |
Of all our expenses, food was the most exorbitant. |
Regular Comparisons
Most modifiers change in regular ways to show comparisons.
Regular Forms of Comparison |
Rule |
Base Form |
Comparison |
Superlative |
For one-syllable words, and most two-syllable words, add-er or -est |
rich |
richer |
richest |
Some two-syllable words use more or most. |
secrete |
more secrete |
most secrete |
For most three-syllable words and adverbs ending in-ly, use more and most. |
populous rapidly |
more populous rapidly |
most populous rapidly |
POSITIVE COMPARATIVE SUPERLATIVE
nice nicer nicest
tall taller tallest
white whiter whitest
lazy lazier laziest
tiny tinier tiniest
thrilling more thrilling most thrilling
bored more bored most bored
wonderful more wonderful most wonderful
beautiful more beautiful most beautiful
pretty more pretty most prettier
naughty more naughty most naughty
Example: When comparing one person thing to all others, use the comparative form.
→He is better at remembering dates than any other students in the class.
To show a negative comparison, you can use the word less or least with most modifiers.
→I’m less likely to get homesick than my sister. I’m the least likely person to get homesick of anyone I know.
Less refers only to amounts or quantity. To describe numbers of things that can be counted, use fewer.
→my grandparents had fewer opportunities in the 1950s because they had less education.
Irregular Comparisons
Some modifiers from comparatives and superlatives in unique ways.
Common Irregular Comparisons |
||
Base form |
Comparatives |
Superlatives |
good |
better |
best |
bad |
worse |
worst |
well |
better |
best |
many |
more |
most |
much |
more |
most |
Why it Matters in Writing
Often, the strongest and clearest way a writer can communicate ideas to readers is by comparing one subject to another, whether the writing is about a thing or a feeling.
PROFESSIONAL MODEL
Never will I forget being eye-level with the crust of the largest, juiciest, most delectable piece of blueberry pie I’ve ever seen. The pie rose like a purple mountain only a foot from my face, and it completely obliterated all other thoughts I had. As I recall, its appearance was far better than its taste; yet it still gleams brighter in my memory than all of the lovely lakes we saw on our trip.