Comparative Adjectives
When lerning Engish, I learnt a gramm. rule that adjectives with 1-2 syllables get "-er" or "-ier" to from comparative, ex. "deadly", "deadlier", for longer adjectives one has to add "more". Is this rule outdated? I just came across an article in a British news-paper: "Virus is more deadly than SARS". Is it correct?
Top answer
TinaMr Is this rule outdated? No, but it is not always followed slavishly. TinaMr "Virus is more deadly than SARS".
- TinaMr Is this rule outdated?
- No, but it is not always followed slavishly.
- TinaMr "Virus is more deadly than SARS".
- Is it correct?
- Yes.
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TinaMrIs this rule outdated?
No, but it is not always followed slavishly.
TinaMr"Virus is more deadly than SARS". Is it correct?
Yes.
CJ
0Some adjectives can form comparatives in both ways. "deadly" is an example. (In principle, any "-er" comparative can be written using "more", but some cases may not feel natural.) Contrary to your "rule", most two-syllable adjectives do not form "-er" comparatives, but some do, including many ending "-y". Other examples are "quiet", "simple" and "narrow". Most common one-syllable adjectives ca
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