Errors made with comparatives

Common mistakes in the use of the comparative and the superlative
July 31st, 2011 · No Comments · English Grammar

Incorrect: He is worst than I.
Correct: He is worse than I.

Incorrect: Mumbai is hot than Jammu.
Correct: Mumbai is hotter than Jammu.

We use comparative adjectives with than.

Incorrect: From the two he is the taller.
Correct: He is the taller of the two.

Incorrect: From the three he is the tallest.
Correct: He is the tallest of the three.

Incorrect: Of the two plans this is the best.
Correct: Of the two plans this is the better.

When a group has only two members, we use the comparative instead of the superlative.

Incorrect: I am the happiest man of the world.
Correct: I am the happiest man in the world.

After superlatives, we do not usually use of with a singular word referring to a place or group. But of can be used before plural nouns / pronouns.

He is the fastest of them all.

Incorrect: There is a best singer in that class.

Correct: There is a very good singer in that class.

We do not use the superlative when no comparison is implied.