Logical comparison | Quick guide

• Comparison words

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  There are several conventional expressions that dictate how things are compared:

  • more/less __ than __
  • prefer __ to __
  • as __ as __

  Using unconventional words in the midst of a comparison creates an error.

  Example

  Incorrect:

  • The Los Angeles Lakers have been a more successful NBA franchise as the Los Angeles Clippers.

  Correct:

  • The Los Angeles Lakers have been a more successful NBA franchise than the Los Angeles Clippers.
• Comparative vs. superlative adjectives

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  The comparative (-er) form of an adjective is used to compare two things.

  Show me!

  • Akila is taller than her friend Marcy.

  The superlative (-est) form of an adjective is used to compare many things.

  Show me!

  • Akila is the tallest girl in her grade at school.

  Using the superlative form when you should use the comparative form (or vice versa) creates an error.

  Example

  Incorrect:

  • Among all shark species, the shortfin mako shark is the faster swimmer.
  • Between red squirrels and gray squirrels, red squirrels are spunkiest.

  Correct:

  • Among all shark species, the shortfin mako shark is the fastest swimmer.
  • Between red squirrels and gray squirrels, red squirrels are spunkier.
• Parallel comparisons

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  For a comparison to be logical, the two items being compared must be parallel.

  So...

  • compared nouns must be similar objects of the same number
    Example

    Incorrect:

    • The strength of a silverback gorilla far exceeds humans.

    Correct:

    • The strength of a silverback gorilla far exceeds the strength of a human.
    • The strength of a silverback gorilla is far exceeds that of a human.

    Explanation: We can't compare "strength" to "humans". Instead, we must compare "strength" to "strength".
  • compared verbs must take the same form
    Example

    Incorrect:

    • I would rather go fishing than hunt.

    Correct:

    • I would rather go fishing than go hunting.
    • I would rather fish than hunt.

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