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Maysam Posted 22 years ago
Grammar
Using "more than" before a verb
Hi,
My question is actually about using "more than" before a verb. I was
looking up Longman dictionary that I came across this sentence as an
example for 'compensate':
"Her intelligence more than compensates for her lack of experience."
It's the first time that I see the usage of 'more than' before a verb!
can you possibly tell me what the exact grammar point is here? when can
we use 'more than' before a verb? what does it mean? would you make
more examples for me?
Thanks!
My question is actually about using "more than" before a verb. I was
looking up Longman dictionary that I came across this sentence as an
example for 'compensate':
"Her intelligence more than compensates for her lack of experience."
It's the first time that I see the usage of 'more than' before a verb!
can you possibly tell me what the exact grammar point is here? when can
we use 'more than' before a verb? what does it mean? would you make
more examples for me?
Thanks!
Top answer
' Greenbaum & Quirk say mention that in addition to the higher degree expressed by 'more', it also 'conveys a comment on the inadequacy what is said in the linguistic unit it modifies'. In your example, her intelligence is not merely more effective than her experience, but also the experience (or lack thereof) is not nearly so important in the situation.
- ' Greenbaum & Quirk say mention that in addition to the higher degree expressed by 'more', it also 'conveys a comment on the inadequacy what is said in the linguistic unit it modifies'.
- In your example, her intelligence is not merely more effective than her experience, but also the experience (or lack thereof) is not nearly so important in the situation.
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2 Answers
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It's a non-clausal comparison which is used with verbs, adverbs, nouns and adjectives as well:
'I was more than surprised to hear from him after so long.'
'It was more than a debacle, it was a rout!'
'He is more than tall-- he is a giant!'
'Secretariat (winner of the Belmont Stakes by 31 lengths) more than ran, he fairly flew around the course.'
Greenbaum & Quirk
'I was more than surprised to hear from him after so long.'
'It was more than a debacle, it was a rout!'
'He is more than tall-- he is a giant!'
'Secretariat (winner of the Belmont Stakes by 31 lengths) more than ran, he fairly flew around the course.'
Greenbaum & Quirk
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Here's another example:
The amount of rainfall more than doubles between May and June.
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