This perfectly

Question

Is it natural to say "this perfectly"? Or is perfectly a word where you either do it perfectly or you don't. There isn't a degree of perfectness. What is the word for such a word ?

Even when I'm not tired, I don't do it this perfectly. Just because I'm tired doesn't mean I can't function.

Thanks

Ps is this sentence states correctly?
Or is perfectly a word where you either do it perfectly or you don't. There isn't a degree of perfectness.

Thanks

Dave_anon · Accepted Answer

Hi

I believe the technical phrase is 'absolute modifier'. You are not supposed to use such a word with modifying adverbs. A typical example that might be given is:

- He is more unique than I am

That doesn't really work because, if you are unique, there is no one else like you and either that is true or not

I'm happy to be contradicted by others but I don't think 'perfect' is in this category ...

- I try to be more perfect every day

- Every day I strive toward greater perfection

And, as a humorous saying, I quite like this:

- You don't need to be more than imperfectly perfect

Dave

This perfectly

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