Part 35 (1/2)

+The _Positive degree_ expresses the simple quality+.

+The _Comparative degree_ expresses a greater or a less degree of the quality+.

+The _Superlative degree_ expresses the greatest or the least degree of the quality+.

+RULE.--Adjectives are regularly compared by adding _er_ to the positive to form the comparative, and _est_ to the positive to form the superlative+.

Adjectives of one syllable are _generally_ compared regularly; adjectives of two or more syllables are often compared by prefixing _more_ and _most_.

When there are two correct forms, choose the one that can be more easily p.r.o.nounced.

Compare the following adjectives. For the spelling, consult your dictionaries.

Model.--_Positive. Comparative. Superlative_.

Lovely, lovelier, loveliest; _or_ lovely, more lovely, most lovely.

Tame, warm, beautiful, brilliant, amiable, high, mad, greedy, pretty, hot.

Some adjectives are compared _irregularly_. Learn the following forms.

_Positive. Comparative. Superlative_.

Good, better, best.

Bad, | Evil, + worse, worst.

Ill, | Little, less, least.

Much, | Many, | more, most.

LESSON 88.

COMPARISON OF ADJECTIVES AND ADVERBS.

+_Remember_+ that, when two things or groups of things are compared, the _comparative_ degree is commonly used; when more than two, the _superlative_ is employed.

+_Caution_+.--Adjectives should not be _doubly_ compared.

CORRECT THE FOLLOWING ERRORS.

Of all the boys, George is the more industrious.

Peter was older than the twelve apostles.

Which is the longer of the rivers of America?

This was the most unkindest cut of all.

He chose a more humbler part.

My hat is more handsomer than yours.

The younger of those three boys is the smarter.

Which is the more northerly, Maine, Oregon, or Minnesota?

+_Caution_+.--Do not use adjectives and adverbs extravagantly.