NewsBlues mrsbgrammar Page 55
Chapter 1 Common Grammar Mistakes
45
comparisons, part 2
When talking about two people or places or things, use the
comparative.
When talking about more than two, use the superlative.
v
Last night's 11 was BETTER than the 6, but the 5 was the BEST
show of all.
v
Of the two, David is the BETTER photog; but when it comes to
the BEST photog we have, it's SHERYL.
Now here's the exception.
(Mrs. B knows how much you like exceptions.)
In a few idiomatic expressions, you use the superlative even though
only two things are being compared.
v
Put your BEST foot forward.
Be sure to compare "like" things.
v
The ratings this sweeps period are much better than THOSE of
the last one.
NOT: "The ratings this sweeps period are much better than the last
one." (You would be comparing ratings to a period of time rather
than to ratings.)
Your command of grammar might be better than that of the
competition if you continue to study with Mrs. B.
