Page 53 - DENG103_English - I

English–I

Notes Be careful not to form comparatives or superlatives of adjectives which already express an
extreme of comparison—unique, for instance—although it probably is possible to form comparative
forms of most adjectives: something can be more perfect, and someone can have a fuller figure.
People who argue that one woman cannot be more pregnant than another have never been
nine-months pregnant with twins.
According to Bryan Garner, “complete” is one of those adjectives that does not admit of comparative
degrees. We could say, however, “more nearly complete Other adjectives that Garner would
include in this list are as follows:

absolute impossible principal
adequate inevitable stationary
chief irrevocable sufficient
complete main unanimous
devoid manifest unavoidable
entire minor unbroken
fatal paramount unique
final perpetual universal
ideal preferable whole
Be careful, also, not to use more along with a comparative adjective formed wither nor to
use most along with a superlative adjective formed with -est (e.g., do not write that something
is more heavier or most heaviest).
The as—as construction is used to create a comparison expressing equality:
• He is as foolish as he is large.
• She is as bright as her mother.

Premodifiers with Degrees of Adjectives

Both adverbs and adjectives in their comparative and superlative forms can be accompanied
by premodifiers, single words and phrases, that intensify the degree.
• We were a lot more careful this time.

• He works a lot less carefully than the other jeweler in town.
• We like his work so much better.
• You’ll get your watch back all the faster.

The same process can be used to downplay the degree:
• The weather this week has been somewhat better.
• He approaches his schoolwork a little less industriously than his brother does.
And sometimes a set phrase, usually an informal noun phrase, is used for this purpose:

• He arrived a whole lot sooner than we expected.
• That’s a heck of a lot better.
If the intensifier very accompanies the superlative, a determiner is also required:
• She is wearing her very finest outfit for the interview.

• They’re doing the very best they can.

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