the Eastern trip at the last moment.
=Exercise 93--Comparison=
Adjectives are compared so as to express different degrees of quality.
There are three degrees of comparison, the _positive_, the
_comparative_, and the _superlative_. When the object modified or
described by the adjective is not compared with another, the first or
_positive_ degree is used. When two objects are compared, the second or
_comparative_ degree is used to denote more or less of the quality
expressed by the adjective. When several objects are compared, the
_superlative_ degree of the adjective is used to express the highest or
the lowest possible degree of the adjective.
The usual method of comparing an adjective is to add _er_ to the
positive to form the comparative, and _est_ to form the superlative.
Frequently, however, especially for an adjective of two or more
syllables, the comparative is formed by prefixing _more_ or _less_ to
the positive, and the superlative by prefixing _most_ or _least_.
Besides the adjectives in these two classes there are some which do not
follow any regular method and must, therefore, be watched a little more
closely.
The following table illustrates the different methods of comparison:
_Positive_ _Comparative_ _Superlative_
bright brighter brightest
dangerous more dangerous most dangerous
beautiful more beautiful most beautiful
good better best
bad worse worst
ill worse worst
Be careful to avoid using a double sign for the comparative degree; as,
_Wrong_: This writing is _more neater_ than yours.
Some adverbs are also compared; as,
_Positive_ _Comparative_ _Superlative_
well better best
quickly more quickly most quickly
Some adjectives and adverbs cannot be compared because the positive
degree in itself expresses a complete or _absolute_ meaning; as,
absolute,-ly eternal perfect sufficient
circular extreme perpendicular supreme
continual faultless perpetual unanimous
dead full right unique
decisive impossible round universal
empty incurable square white
Compare those of the following adjectives that may be compared. Explain
why some do not admit of comparison.
great spotless expensive wise
tall dear parallel high
desirable east old new
honorable early exclusive blank
=Exercise 94=
In the following exercise, select the correct one of the two italicized
forms. Remember that the comparative degree is used in comparing two
objects, the superlative in comparing three or more.