Understanding the Concept of Degrees of Comparison

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 126 views

Understanding the Concept of Degrees of Comparison

In English grammar, the concept of degrees of comparison is used to compare two or more things. There are three degrees of comparison: positive, comparative, and superlative. The positive degree is used to describe a quality or characteristic of a person or thing, the comparative degree is used to compare two people or things, and the superlative degree is used to compare three or more people or things.

The Comparative Degree

The comparative degree is used to compare two people or things. It is formed by adding -er to the positive degree of an adjective or by using more with the positive degree of an adjective. For example:

Happy (positive degree)
Happier (comparative degree)
Happiest (superlative degree)

The Superlative Degree

The superlative degree is used to compare three or more people or things. It is formed by adding -est to the positive degree of an adjective or by using most with the positive degree of an adjective. For example:

Happy (positive degree)
Happier (comparative degree)
Happiest (superlative degree)

Comparing Mrs. Coleman and Bailey

Now, let's apply the concept of degrees of comparison to the given sentence: "Mrs. Coleman was sharp, but Bailey was A. sharp B. sharper C. sharpest."

In this sentence, we are comparing two people, Mrs. Coleman and Bailey, based on their sharpness. The correct answer is B. sharper. This is because we are comparing two people, and the comparative degree is used to compare two people or things.

Why is B. sharper the Correct Answer?

The reason why B. sharper is the correct answer is that it is the comparative degree of the adjective "sharp." The comparative degree is used to compare two people or things, and in this case, we are comparing Mrs. Coleman and Bailey based on their sharpness.

Why are A. sharp and C. sharpest Incorrect?

A. sharp is incorrect because it is the positive degree of the adjective "sharp," which is used to describe a quality or characteristic of a person or thing, not to compare two people or things.

C. sharpest is incorrect because it is the superlative degree of the adjective "sharp," which is used to compare three or more people or things, not two people or things.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the correct answer is B. sharper because it is the comparative degree of the adjective "sharp," which is used to compare two people or things. The comparative degree is used to compare two people or things, and in this case, we are comparing Mrs. Coleman and Bailey based on their sharpness.

Key Takeaways

The comparative degree is used to compare two people or things.
The superlative degree is used to compare three or more people or things.
The positive degree is used to describe a quality or characteristic of a person or thing.
The correct answer is B. sharper because it is the comparative degree of the adjective "sharp."
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Degrees of Comparison =============================================================

Q: What is the difference between the positive, comparative, and superlative degrees?

A: The positive degree is used to describe a quality or characteristic of a person or thing, the comparative degree is used to compare two people or things, and the superlative degree is used to compare three or more people or things.

Q: How do I form the comparative degree of an adjective?

A: To form the comparative degree of an adjective, you can either add -er to the positive degree of the adjective or use more with the positive degree of the adjective. For example:

Happy (positive degree)
Happier (comparative degree)
Happiest (superlative degree)

Q: How do I form the superlative degree of an adjective?

A: To form the superlative degree of an adjective, you can either add -est to the positive degree of the adjective or use most with the positive degree of the adjective. For example:

Happy (positive degree)
Happier (comparative degree)
Happiest (superlative degree)

Q: What is the difference between "more" and "most"?

A: "More" is used with the comparative degree to compare two people or things, while "most" is used with the superlative degree to compare three or more people or things. For example:

He is more intelligent than his brother. (comparative degree)
He is the most intelligent person in the room. (superlative degree)

Q: Can I use the comparative degree to compare three or more people or things?

A: No, you cannot use the comparative degree to compare three or more people or things. The comparative degree is used to compare two people or things, while the superlative degree is used to compare three or more people or things.

Q: Can I use the superlative degree to compare two people or things?

A: No, you cannot use the superlative degree to compare two people or things. The superlative degree is used to compare three or more people or things, while the comparative degree is used to compare two people or things.

Q: How do I know which degree to use in a sentence?

A: To determine which degree to use in a sentence, you need to consider the number of people or things being compared. If you are comparing two people or things, use the comparative degree. If you are comparing three or more people or things, use the superlative degree.

Q: Can I use the positive degree to compare people or things?

A: No, you cannot use the positive degree to compare people or things. The positive degree is used to describe a quality or characteristic of a person or thing, not to compare people or things.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the degrees of comparison are an essential part of English grammar. Understanding the difference between the positive, comparative, and superlative degrees can help you to use the correct degree in a sentence and to communicate effectively. Remember to use the comparative degree to compare two people or things, the superlative degree to compare three or more people or things, and the positive degree to describe a quality or characteristic of a person or thing.