any of the other girls

It's an intensifier, thus it depends on you.

New2grammarHer hips were wider than (any of) the other girls.

Hi,

Is "those of" missing here? (Her hips were wider than those of (any of) the other girls.)
Or is the sentence fine as it stands because "those of" is understood to have been omitted?

Thanks!

Good point, Tanit. Techically,either girls should be made possessive or as you suggested, include those of. I feel the original is OK though I don't know any rule when to include and omit.

New2grammarHer hips were wider than (any of) the other girls.

She's smarter than (any of) the other girls.

Is any of mandatory?

Her hips were wider than those of the other girls. (any of not necessary)

Her hips were wider than the other girls'.

She's smarter than any of the other girls. (any of needed)

Yoong Liat, could you explain why the latter requires 'any of' while the former doesn't?

New2grammarYoong Liat, could you explain why the latter requires 'any of' while the former doesn't?

Her hips were wider than those of the other girls. (any of not necessary)


Her hips were wider than the hips of the other girls. (those = the hips)


Her hips

Yoong LiatDo you prefer this sentence or the one above?

I have no preference at all. In fact, I don't know which is correct which is why I posted this question in the first place.
Anyway, thanks, Yoong Liat.
I would like to hear from another expert. I'm starting to get more confused actually

Hi New2grammar

New2grammarI would like to hear from another expert.

Thanks for the compliment, but I don't think I can be called an expert.

I agree with Marius, it's used for emphasis, and it's not required.

Example: I chose Mary because she's way smarter! She's smarter than the other girls, and it's clear, don't you think?