More perfect

Purists point out that anything that is perfect, in the sense 'flawless, complete in all respects', must be absolutely so, and that it is therefore incorrect to use qualifying words such as more ,most, so, and very.

(The Right Word at the Right Time)

AnonymousIs it possible to use "more perfect" when describing an absolute state?

No. Not unless you're writing the U.S. Constitution.

Someone should rewrite it.

Further discussion of the same subject, for interest:

http://thegrammarexchange.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/340600179/m/260103291

MrP

MrPedanticFurther discussion of the same subject, for interest:
http://thegrammarexchange.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/340600179/m/260103291

MrP

Yoong Liat

MrPedanticFurther discussion of the same subject, for interest:
http://thegrammarexchange.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/340600

Hi YL

Yoong LiatThe weather could have been more perfect

Did you accidently omit the word "not" in that sentence? "The weather could not have been more perfect" would be a typical sort of sentence.

YankeeHi YL

Yoong LiatThe weather could have been more perfect

Did you accidently omit the word "not" in that sentence? "The weather could not have been more perfect" would be a typical sort of sentence.

Hi Amy

Yes, you're right. Another careless mistake of mine.
The sentence should be "The

YankeeHi YL

Yoong LiatThe weather could have been more perfect

Did you accidently omit the word "not" in that sentence? "The weather could not have been more perfect" would be a typical sort of sentence.

But "the weather could have been more perfect" has meaning.

I'm happy for you, Anon.