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Park sang joon Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

The omission of a noun after a comparative adjective

In several different studies, increased alcohol consumption has been linked to traffic accidents, date rape, and fraternity hazing. Unfortunately, in an effort to find a reason for this increase, parents and educators have decided to blame the makers of alcoholic drinks. But if they are looking for someone to blame, they might want to check a little closer to home.
[Source: Reading for Results Ninth Edition by Laraine Flemming]
I'd like to know if I can omit a noun after a comparative adjective as in my example.
And I'd like to know whom or what "a little close to home" indicates.
Thank you in advance for your help.
  

Top answer

Why do you think a noun has been omitted there? What do you think the phrase would look like if the noun was included?

— GPY

  • Why do you think a noun has been omitted there?
  • What do you think the phrase would look like if the noun was included?
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7 Answers
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Why do you think a noun has been omitted there? What do you think the phrase would look like if the noun was included?
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Thank you, GPY, for another kind answer from you. Emotion: smile
I should think you regard "a little closer to home" as an adverb phrase.
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The base expression is "close to home". This has a literal or figurative meaning (in your example figurative) that hopefully should be obvious. "closer to home" is simply the comparative of "close to home". "a little" modifies "closer".

"a little closer someone to home" does not make sense.
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Thank you, GPY, for your continuing support. Emotion: smile
Only to make sure, I'd like to know if it is right that "a little closer to home"
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park sang joonThank you, GPY, for your continuing support. Only to make sure, I'd like to know if it is right that "a little closer to home" modifies "to check."
It is reasonable to think of "a little closer to home" as adverbial, describing where they should check. It may also be possible to view it as the object of "check".
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Thank you, GPY, for your continuing to answer. Emotion: smile

It may also be possible to view it as the object of "check".
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park sang joonI don't understand how "a little closer to home" can become an object that is either an adjective phrase or adverbial phrase.
Well, if it's the object, it would have to be construed as a noun phrase, meaning "the place a little closer to home". Don't worry too much about this possiblity. Actually, I'm beginning to wonder how feasible it really is
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