Comparison of Modifiers NINTH GRADE ENGLISH

Modifiers A word or group of words that makes the meaning of another word or group of words more specific Basically…adjectives or adverbs

Modifiers Three forms of comparison Positive Comparative superlative

Comparison of Modifiers Positive---the word itself Example: It is a beautiful day. Other examples… Smart funny Helpless quickly

Comparison of Modifiers Comparative---Compares ONLY two items Example: Today is more beautiful than yesterday. Other examples… Smarter funnier Less helpless more quickly

Comparative Modifiers Always add –er whenever possible When it’s not possible to add –er, use more or less. Never use both!

Comparison of Modifiers Superlative---compares three or more items Example: Today is the most beautiful day of the week. Other examples… Smartest funniest Least helpless most quickly

Superlative Modifiers Always add –est whenever possible When it’s not possible to add –est, use most or least. Never use both!

Problems with Modifiers Avoid DOUBLE NEGATIVES Example: That answer doesn’t make no sense. The field trip won’t cost us nothing. There weren’t no tickets available.

Problems with Modifiers Avoid DOUBLE COMPARISONS Examples: This sweater is the most prettiest that I own. Lisa is a more funnier person than Jane.

Problems with Modifiers Avoid ILLOGICAL COMPARISONS-- When comparing something that’s part of a larger group to the group itself, use OTHER or ELSE. Examples: She is more stubborn than anyone. John is more considerate than any boy in his school.

Problems with Modifiers Make CLEAR COMPARISONS Examples: Susan likes her grandmother’s cooking better than her mom. Is the skin of rhinoceros harder than the alligator?