An Adjective
adds something to the meaning of or qualifies a Noun or a Pronoun.
(1) When there is
no comparison, we use the positive degree:
Remi is a good
girl.
(2) When we compare
two or more persons or things, we use the comparative degree:
Remilekun is
better than Kafayat.
(3) When the
ultimate comparison stating the highest degree is made between many persons or
things, we use the superlative degree. It is always preceded by ‘the’:
Remilekun is
the best of all girls.
(4) The comparative
degree can be formed either by adding ‘er’ to the adjective or writing ‘more’
before it, as the case may be. However, we will use only one form of the
comparative degree:
Wrong:
Remilekun is more better than Kafayat.
Right:
Remilekun is better than Kafayat.
(5) When
comparative degree is used in superlative sense, it is followed by ‘any other’:
She is taller
than any other girl in the class.
(6) Some adjectives
like excellent, ideal, perfect, unique, supreme, extreme, chief, complete,
universal, entire, eternal, unanimous, infinite, perpetual, round, impossible,
etc. are not to be compared:
Wrong: Your
work is the most excellent.
Right: Your
work is excellent.
Wrong: This is
the most perfect solution to the problem.
Right: This is
a perfect solution to the problem.
(7) Certain
comparative adjectives ending in ‘ior’ (Junior, senior, prior, superior,
inferior, posterior) have no comparative or superlative degree.
These are
always followed by ‘to’:
He is junior to
me.
Katie is
inferior to Rose in intelligence.
(8) Adjectives like
preferable, likely, sure, certain, etc. are followed by ‘to’:
It is likely to
rain.
Death is preferable
to dishonour.
(9) Less, fewer:
Less refers to quantity; fewer denotes number.
(10) Some, any: Some
is used in Affirmative sentences; any in negative or
Interrogative
sentences:
I will buy some
books.
I will not buy
any book.
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