1. Comparison of Modifiers
NINTH GRADE ENGLISH

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

3. Modifiers
Three forms of comparison
Positive
Comparative
superlative

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

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

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

7. 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

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

9. 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.

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

11. 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.

12. 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?