Tricky comparative form

Question

Hi everybody,Is there a possibility to form the comparative of two-syllable adjectives if they end in the letter 'y'? There is a rule in the book 'Advanced Grammar in Use' but that is in connection with one-syllable adjectives. I quote it:However, we use more + adjective when we are comparing two qualities'Don't you think Carl was brave to go bungee jumping?' 'Personally, I thought he was more mad than brave.'Normally we form comparatives of adjectives (written with blue) with adding '-er' and changing 'y' to 'i' (at least I think that but I'm just a learner). For example:'healthy -&gt; healthier'Are there exceptions (when we could use e.g. 'more healthy')? For example:Is 'more healthy than harmful' possible in situation such as the quoted one?I'm interested in all the exceptions besides the quoted one (if any).Thanks for your answer in advance.

AlpheccaStars · Accepted Answer

Hole One a New SeeIs 'more healthy than harmful' possible in situation such as the quoted one?

Yes.
She was more sweet than sour.

Exceptions are the irregular comparatives:
It was worse / better than expected.

Hole One a New See · Answer

Thanks for the answer.

Is 'more healthy than harmful' something like 'rather healthy than harmful'? Are these the same if we consider their meanings?

Thanks for the answer in advance.

AlpheccaStars · Answer

No. They are not the same.

He is rather healthy. It is not a comparison with anything. It is a gradation meaning "somewhat healthy" but not "very healthy."

Red wine is more healthy than harmful.
There are two aspects of red wine. The alcohol is unhealthy, but it contains antioxidants and resveratrol which may be good for the heart. It can also reduce stress. So, in balance, it is better for you (more healthy), although it is harmful if you drink too much of it.

Anonymous · Answer

Yes, this topic can be tricky. A straight comparison would be, for example: "Water is healthier than beer." You can also say this as: "Water is more healthy than beer.", which means the same thing.

However, the sentence, "Steak is more healthy than harmful.", is not a comparison like the ones above. This is, rather, a valuation type of statement: steak has some unhealthy aspects, but overall it is a healthy thing, rather than a harmful thing. A straight comparison like the ones above would be, for example: "Steak is healthier/more healthy than cake."

Hole One a New See · Answer

Thanks for the answers

I got it now (at least I think that).

CalifJim · Answer

Hole One a New SeeIs 'more healthy than harmful' possible in situation such as the quoted one?

Note two different kinds of comparisons.

Type 1. Comparison of two things by the degree to which they have one quality.

One thing has Quality X to Degree A. (This is the first thing.)
Another thing has Quality X to Degree B. (This is the second thing.)

Suppose A > B (A is greater than B). Then the first thing is more X than the second.
__________

Type 2. Comparison of two qualities by the degree to which they apply to one thing.

A certain thing can be described as having Quality X to Degree A.
The same thing can be described as having Quality Y to Degree B.

Suppose A > B. Then the thing is more X than Y.
______________

If you can express "more X" as "X-er", do so for Type 1, but not for Type 2.

Marie is wittier than Lana. / Marie is more witty than intelligent. (... wittier than intelligent won't sound right.)
Potato chips are tastier than broccoli. / Potato chips are more tasty than healthy. (Same comment.)
Mr. Klutcher is greedier than his brother. / Mr. Klutcher is more greedy than needy. (Same.)

CJ

Hole One a New See · Answer

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Anonymous · Answer

Tricky comparative form

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