Degrees of Comparison

 Degrees of Comparison

Introduction

Adjectives are words that tell us more about a noun. They describe its quality, quantity, size, shape, or other features. Sometimes we only want to describe a quality, but at other times we want to compare one thing with another. To show this comparison, adjectives are used in three forms. This is called the Degrees of Comparison. These three degrees are Positive, Comparative, and Superlative. They help us to show whether something is simply described, compared with one, or compared with many.

1. Positive Degree

Usage:
The positive degree is the base form of the adjective. It only states the quality of a noun without any comparison. However, it is also used in comparisons of equality and inequality. In addition, it is often used with phrases like no other, any other, many other, very few, to make special comparisons.

Sentence Types:

  1. Simple Description – Only describes quality.
  2. Equality – Expressed with as…as.
  3. Inequality – Expressed with not so…as or not as…as.
  4. Special Comparisons – Using no other, any other, many other, very few.

Examples (Simple Description):

  • The boy is tall.
  • The flower is beautiful.
  • This book is interesting.
  • She is kind to all.
  • The sky is blue.

Examples (Equality – as…as):

  • He is as tall as his brother.
  • This pen is as useful as that one.
  • She is as intelligent as her friend.
  • The weather today is as cold as it was yesterday.
  • The song is as sweet as honey.

Examples (Inequality – not so…as / not as…as):

  • This road is not as wide as that one.
  • He is not so clever as his teacher.
  • The house is not as big as ours.
  • She is not so brave as her sister.
  • My handwriting is not as neat as yours.

Examples (Special Comparisons – no other, any other, many other, very few):

  • No other city in India is as big as Mumbai.
  • No other girl in the class is as hardworking as Rina.
  • Many other countries are as beautiful as Switzerland.
  • Very few players are as talented as Virat Kohli.
  • No other river in India is as long as the Ganga.

Explanation:
In positive degree, the adjective remains in its simple form. As…as shows equality. Not so…as shows inequality. With no other, we emphasize uniqueness. With any other, we compare one with all others of the same group. With many other and very few, we express inclusion in a group where several share the quality but in different strengths.

2. Comparative Degree

Usage and Meaning:
The comparative degree is used when we compare two persons or things. It shows a higher or lower degree of quality. The word than is often used.

Examples:

  • This road is longer than that one.
  • She is wiser than her sister.
  • The mountain is higher than the hill.
  • My bag is heavier than yours.
  • He is stronger than his friend.

3. Superlative Degree

Usage and Meaning:
The superlative degree is used when we compare one with many others. It shows the highest or lowest degree of quality. The definite article the is usually placed before the superlative.

Examples:

  • Mount Everest is the highest mountain.
  • She is the best student in the class.
  • This is the most interesting story.
  • The Pacific is the largest ocean.
  • He is the fastest runner of all.

Conclusion

The degrees of comparison help us to describe and compare qualities in a clear manner. The positive degree states a quality, and with as…as or not so…as it can show equality or inequality. It can also be expanded with expressions like no other, any other, many other, very few to make the comparison stronger and more meaningful. The comparative degree shows a higher quality between two, and the superlative degree shows the highest quality among many. By using correct forms, we can avoid errors and make our language more powerful. Knowing the rules of formation and usage of each degree allows us to write and speak English accurately. Thus, degrees of comparison are an essential part of English grammar.

 

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