| Title: | The Joy of Lex |
| Notice: | A Notes File even your grammar could love |
| Moderator: | THEBAY::SYSTEM |
| Created: | Fri Feb 28 1986 |
| Last Modified: | Mon Jun 02 1997 |
| Last Successful Update: | Fri Jun 06 1997 |
| Number of topics: | 1192 |
| Total number of notes: | 42769 |
Is there a rule for the form of superlatives?
We say something is the "most attractive," but we say it is the
"prettiest". We say "most interesting" and "dullest". I have always
played it by ear, using the form that sounds better or avoiding
the one that sounds more awkward. Does anyone know of a rule or
guideline that specifies which form to use?
Bernie
| T.R | Title | User | Personal Name | Date | Lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 241.1 | Depends on its length | BISTRO::LIRON | roger liron @VBO | Mon Sep 15 1986 07:25 | 7 |
The "-est" form is used when the adjective is short (2 syllabs or
less); the "most" form for long ones.
Same rule for the comparatives, with "-er" and "more".
And, remember, all rules have exceptions - except this one ?
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| 241.2 | As you like it. | IOSG::DEMORGAN | Mon May 18 1987 11:07 | 2 | |
"Most pretty" is also perfectly correct grammar. I agree that most
[literate] people go by how it sounds.
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| 241.3 | YIPPEE::LIRON | Mon May 18 1987 12:40 | 17 | ||
"Most pretty" is correct as an absolute superlative; another
example of this is "very good".
The initial question, and all examples given, were concerned
with superlatives of the relative form, eg "THE prettiest"
or "THE best".
You literate people wouldn't say "the most pretty girl", or "the
most good thing", or would you ?
roger
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