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EyeSeeYou Posted 19 years ago
Grammar
The Elder/The Eldest
How do I know when to use each?
I always thought 'the elder' (or 'the better', for that matter) was used to to refer to one of two things. 'The eldest' for more than three. Example: My elder brother (meaning I have two). My eldest brother (meaning I have at least three brothers).
Could someone explain that to me? Also, the difference between 'elder' and 'older'.
Thanks.
I always thought 'the elder' (or 'the better', for that matter) was used to to refer to one of two things. 'The eldest' for more than three. Example: My elder brother (meaning I have two). My eldest brother (meaning I have at least three brothers).
Could someone explain that to me? Also, the difference between 'elder' and 'older'.
Thanks.
Top answer
EyeSeeYou How do I know when to use each? I always thought 'the elder' (or 'the better', for that matter) was used to to refer to one of two things. 'The eldest' for more than three.
- EyeSeeYou How do I know when to use each?
- I always thought 'the elder' (or 'the better', for that matter) was used to to refer to one of two things.
- 'The eldest' for more than three.
- Example: My elder brother (meaning I have two).
- My eldest brother (meaning I have at least three brothers).
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6 Answers
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EyeSeeYou
How do I know when to use each?
I always thought 'the elder' (or 'the better', for that matter) was used to to refer to one of two things. 'The eldest' for more than three. Example: My elder brother (meaning I have two). My eldest brother (meaning I have at least three brothers). Correct!
Could someone ex
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Ok. The thing is I was reading a short story today where one of the characters explained that his ring was a present from "my eldest sister. Consequently his other sister had been giving **** about it."
Shouldn't have it been older/elder?
Shouldn't have it been older/elder?
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If there were only two sisters, then I would have used "elder" instead of "eldest."
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I guess I was wrong, then. The character (male, by the way) had two sisters, so they were three in total. So 'eldest' was used correctly.
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Hi,
It doesn't matter that there are three siblings in total. The guy only has two sisters. When you are talking about 'two sisters', say 'elder sister'.
( 'Older' is more common. )
Clive
It doesn't matter that there are three siblings in total. The guy only has two sisters. When you are talking about 'two sisters', say 'elder sister'.
( 'Older' is more common. )
Clive
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