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In English grammar the degree of comparison describes the relational value of one adjective or adverb with the same adjective in another sentence. An adjective may simply describe a quality, (the positive); it may compare the quality with that of another of its kind (comparative degree); and it may compare the quality with many or all others (superlative degree). In other languages it may describe a very large degree of a particular quality (in Semitic linguistics, called an elative).
The degree of comparison may be expressed morphologically, or syntactically. In English, for example, most monosyllabic and some disyllabic adjectives have morphological degrees of comparison: green (absolute), greener (comparative), greenest (superlative); pretty, prettier, prettiest; while most polysyllabic adjectives use syntax: complex, more complex, most complex.
The positive degree is the most basic form of the adjective, positive because it does not relate to any superior or inferior qualities of another adjective or adverb
The comparative degree denotes a greater amount of a quality relative to something else. The phrase “Anna is taller than her father” means that Anna's degree of tallness is greater than her father's degree of tallness.
The superlative degree denotes the largest quality among a group, or among all things of a certain kind.
In various languages
English usage
Traditional English grammar uses the comparative form when comparing exactly two things, and the superlative when comparing three or more, but in informal usage this may not hold.
Rhetorical use of unbalanced comparatives
In some contexts, such as advertising or political speeches, absolute and relative comparatives are intentionally employed in a way that invites a comparison, and yet the basis of comparison is not established. This is a common rhetorical device used to create an implication of significance where one may not actually be present. Although such usage is common, it is sometimes considered ungrammatical.
For example:
- Always!
- Why pay more?
- We work harder.
- We sell for less!
See also
References
- http://www.geocities.com/CollegePark/Square/6264/index162.htm
- Tom McArthur (1992) "The Oxford Companion to th English Language", Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-214183-X