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Hans51 Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

Comparatives in the words sure, certain and perfect

Some says that there is no comparatives in the words sure, certain and perfect. And I failed to find comparatives of them in dictionaries, so do you agree that we cannot use more sure, more certain and more perfect? Or just the forms are wrong and they should be surer. certainer and perfecter?

Thank you so much as usual in advance.
  

Top answer

Hans51 do you agree that we cannot use more sure, more certain and more perfect? No, I don't agree. Though grammar books think they have a neat little rule about non-gradable adjectives, the fact is that native speakers commonly grade many of them that way.

— Mister Micawber

  • Hans51 do you agree that we cannot use more sure, more certain and more perfect?
  • No, I don't agree.
  • Though grammar books think they have a neat little rule about non-gradable adjectives, the fact is that native speakers commonly grade many of them that way.
  • The 'surer' form is OK; the other two '-ers' are not.
  • However, it is also a matter of just how non-gradable the word is and of whether it belongs in the list.
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4 Answers
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Hans51 do you agree that we cannot use more sure, more certain and more perfect?
No, I don't agree. Though grammar books think they have a neat little rule about non-gradable adjectives, the fact is that native speakers commonly grade many of them that way. The 'surer' form is OK; the other two '-ers' are not.

However, it is also a matter of just how
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Hans51so do you agree that we cannot use more sure, more certain and more perfect?
You will hear conversations like this:
A: Are you sure you are feeling OK?
B: Yes, I could not be more sure. (Also: more certain.)
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Thank you and then how about 'more perfect' or 'most perfect'? Is it possible to use the phrases? And could you give me an example, if you do not mind?
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PREAMBLE TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the Uni
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