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Guest Posted 21 years ago
Grammar

Elder or eldest

My friend insists eldest cannot be used if there are only two persons involved. For instance if there are 2 brothers she says one is the elder and cannot be referred to as the eldest. Is this correct??
  

Top answer

I think that it is a bit strange to say eldest but correct. When you regard two people while one is elder and the other younger, it's seems unnecessary to say "eldest". You can think about every incident in everyday life when you have to compare between two objects\people - for example two girls come to you and ask you who looks better not "best".

— Maverick88

  • I think that it is a bit strange to say eldest but correct.
  • When you regard two people while one is elder and the other younger, it's seems unnecessary to say "eldest".
  • You can think about every incident in everyday life when you have to compare between two objects\people - for example two girls come to you and ask you who looks better not "best".
  • Am I right, teachers?
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3 Answers
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I think that it is a bit strange to say eldest but correct. When you regard two people while one is elder and the other younger, it's seems unnecessary to say "eldest". You can think about every incident in everyday life when you have to compare between two objects\people - for example two girls come to you and ask you who looks better not "best". Am I right, teachers?
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You are right, maverick - and that's also the answer, a "Standard" Grammar gives.
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your friend is correct... you only use eldest when referring to 3 or more
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