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Important Points in English Language exams - 5
POINT NO. 33: When referring to two persons, places or things use the comparative form; when referring to more than two, the superlative form,
Rakesh is the taller of the two. (not tallest)
Of the two positions open, you have chosen the more promising. (not most)
That is the more efficient of the two methods. (not most)
That is the most efficient method that could be devised. (not more)
Today is the warmest day of the year (not warmer)
Was Monday or Tuesday warmer? (not warmest)
POINT NO. 34: Some adjectives and adverbs, from their very meaning, allow no comparison; for example round, unique, square. perfect, completely universally, correct, always, never, dead etc Such words may be modified in meaning, however, by such adverbs as hardly, nearly or almost, in order to suggest art approach to the superlative.
It is almost a square table. (not most or more)
That design is vey nearly unique.
This plate is almost round.
POINT NO. 35: When comparing one person or thing with a group of which it is a part, use the comparative degree and the words any other to exclude the thing compared from other objects of the same class or kind. In other words, in a comparative construction we must be sure that if A and B are compared, A is not included as part of B.
This coffee has a better flavor than any other coffee in the market.
Ludhiana is more populated than any other city in Punjab.
Gold is more costly than any other metal.
POINT NO. 36:When comparing two qualities of the same person or thing, use more and not -er to form the comparative.
Sujata is more clever than wise. (not cleverer)
Rajesh is more brave than wise, (not braver)
POINT NO. . 37:Guard against using double comparatives and superlatives.
She is the cleverest girl of her class. (not most cleverest)
Bhatnagar is one of the richest men of the town. (not most richest)
POINT NO. 38: Fewer/less
Fewer refers to numbers and less refers to quantity and size or amount.
No fewer than fifty passengers were killed in the accident. (not less than)
Less effort was put forth by the members and thus fewer people attended the meeting.
Women now spend fewer hours in the kitchen.
Women now spend less time in the kitchen.
POINT NO.39: As many as/as much as
As many as expresses the number whereas as much as expresses quantity.
You have to collect as many stamps as possible, (not as much as)
Of the thirty students, as many as ten have failed. (not as much as)
POINT NO. . 40:Elder and eldest/older and oldest
Elder and eldest are used for the members of the same family. Also elder is followed by to and not than,
Older and oldest can be used with reference to persons.
I am the eldest member of my family. (not oldest)
Mr Gupta is older than his assistant. (not elder)
Vibha is eldest of the three sisters. (not oldest)
Ranjan is elder to Munish. (here beth elder or older can be used because they may be brothers or
may be not)
