Today I would like you to look at some important rules in
the use of ADJECTIVES:
Rule-1
Most adjectives form their comparitives by the addition of -r
or-er, and their superlatives by the addition of-st.or -est to the positive.
Positive
Comparitive Superlative
Brave
Braver. Bravest
Near
Nearer. Nearest
Rule-2
Some adjectives which have more than two syllables in the
spelling, form their comparitive by using the adverb "more" with the positive, and the superlative by
using the "most" with the positive.
Positive.
Comparative. Superlative
Intelligent. more
intelligent. most intelligent
beautiful. more
beautiful. most beautiful
Rule-3
When two qualities in the same person or thing is compared,
the comparitive degree is formed by using "more", instead of -r or-er
with the positive.
Examples:
Farzan is more wiser than intelligent.
In this sentence, we can make out that Farzan is both wise
and intelligent.But his wisdom is far greater than his intelligence.
Rule-4
When two objects are compared with each other, the latter
term of comparison must exclude the former by using 'any other'.
Examples:
Gold is precious than
any metal......incorrect.
Gold is precious than any other
metal.....correct.
Rule-5
There are some words which can only be used in the positive
and cannot be used in the comparitive, or in the superlative.
Examples:
minor, major, ulterior, exterior, inferior.
This is more inferior than that....incorrect.
This is inferior to that.....correct.
Rule-6
The following words are used as comparative adjectives and
are followed by "to" and not "than":
Examples:
prior, junior, senior, superior, inferior, anterior,prefer
posterior, etc.
Rule-7
The adjective "preferable" is used as a
comparitive. It is followed by "to". It is not used with
"more".
Example:
This movie is preferable than that one.....incorrect.
This movie is preferable to that one....correct.
Rule-8
The comparative adjectives ending in "or" are
followed by the preposition "to".
junior, senior, posterior, anterior, inferior, superior,
prior.
Example:
Gary is superior than Charllote......incorrect.
Gary is superior to Charllote.....correct.
Rule-9
Two adjectives which refer to the same noun or pronoun
joined by a conjunction must be in the same degree of comparison.
Example:
Arnold is the wisest and bravest of all national cadets.
Rule-10
Sometimes we use the words much, far, less, etc. before the
comparitives to denote emphasis or excess.
Example:
Dennis is by far the ablest economist in the country.
Rule-11
Look at these adjectives which confuse:
§
Further
and Farther.
Further means in addition, additionally; more.
Examples:
For further information please contact our branch head.
I have nothing further to say in this matter.
Farther:
Farther denotes more distant in space.
Examples:
Peter lives in the farther end of the street.
§
Many, a great many, a good many
All these take a plural noun and a plural verb after them.
Examples:
My daughter has a good many friends.
A great many people died in the tsunami.
Rule-12
Use of many+a+noun(singular)+ a verb(singular) structure:
Examples:
Many a delegate is attending
today's conference.
(meaning: many delegates are attending the seminar)
Rule-13
MODIFIERS: Few, Little.
Few is used with plural nouns. Little is used with singular
uncountable nouns.
If an article doesn't precede- few and little- they usually
have rather negative meanings. They denote scarcity, paucity, 'not as much/many as one would like', or 'not
as much/many as one would prefer'.
With articles 'few' and 'little' I.e a few, and a little are
positive in meaning. They mean 'some'. They often convey the message that
'something is better than nothing'.
Examples:
There are a few apples in the basket,you can eat them.
I've got a little money, It'll be enough to buy movie
tickets.
