Grammar Notes Modifiers

A modifier is a word or word group that makes the meaning of another word or word group more specific. Two kinds: –Adjectives –Adverbs

Comparison three degrees: positive, comparative, and superlative –low-lower-lowest –fearful-more fearful-most fearful –good-better-best comparative degree: two things superlative degree: three or more One syllable: -er, -est Two syllables: -er, -est, OR more, most Three or more syllables: more, most Decrease in degree: less, least

Within a Group Include other or else when comparing one member of a group with the rest of the group avoids an illogical comparison of one thing with itself Examples: Rhode Island is smaller than any state in the Union. (incorrect) Rhode Island is smaller than any other state in the Union. (correct) Stan is taller than anyone in his class. (incorrect) Stan is taller than anyone else in his class. (correct)

Double Comparisons result of using two comparative forms (usually –er and more) or using two superlative forms (usually –est and most) to modify the same word Examples: Alice is a more faster swimmer than you. Alice is a faster swimmer than you. What is the most brightest star in the sky? What is the brightest star in the sky?

Clear Comparisons clearly indicate what items you are comparing Use both parts of a comparison completely if there is any chance of a misunderstanding Examples: Fresh vegetables at a farmers’ market are sometimes lower in price than a grocery store. Fresh vegetables at a farmers’ market are sometimes lower in price than those at a grocery store. We know her better than Sally. We know her better than we know Sally. OR We know her better than Sally does.

Absolute Adjectives no comparative or superlative forms do not vary in degree something is either complete or it it’s not. You can’t say something is more complete than something else Examples: Your hat is more unique than most. Your hat is unique. Don’t you agree that the park is the most perfect place to have a picnic? Don’t you agree that the park is the perfect place to have a picnic? OR Don’t you agree that the park is the most suitable place to have a picnic?

Common Absolute Adjectives completeequalperfect correcteternalround deadfullsquare emptyimpossibletrue endlessinfiniteunique

1. I am least prepared to take the test than you. 2. Jim speaks Portuguese more fluently than any person in his class. 3. You cheered more often than anyone at the concert. 4. Mr. Brown is many pounds more heavier than I. 5. We thought Patti was the most talented of all the actors in the community play. 6. The picture looks much more clearer on this television set than on that one. 7. I read the shorter of the three books for my report. 8. I have narrowed my choices to two colleges, and I want to visit them to see which I like best. 9. She was less determined to win than her sister was. 10. Modeling her mother’s silk kimono, Toshi seemed even more gracefuller than usual.