Description:
The language used to make comparisons differs depending on how many things
or ideas are being compared. Number Comparisons questions ask about the
languange used to compare things.
Approach:
Determine whether you are comparing two or more than two things. The number of
people or things being compared will determine how to set up the comparison.
1) More vs. Most
The word "most" can only be used to compare more than two things or ideas.
Incorrect:
"James Joyce's novels Ulysses
and Finnegan's Wake
are both difficult to understand, but Ulysses
is the most popular among students."
Since we are only comparing two books, we need to say "more" instead of "most."
Correct:
"James Joyce's novels Ulysses and Finnegan's Wake are both
difficult to understand, but Ulysses is more popular among students."
2) -er vs. -est
The -er ending is a comparative ending and can only be used to compare two things.
The -est ending is a superlative ending and can only be used for more than two things.
Incorrect:
"Of the three T.V.s for sale, the Sony has a clearer picture."
This sentence needs to say "clearest" because we have three T.V.s.
Correct:
"Of the three T.V.s for sale, the Sony has the clearest picture."
3) Between vs. Among
"Between" is the right choice when comparing two things. "Among" is correct for
more than two.
Incorrect:
"Thanks to the meeting, there was quickly an agreement between Sarah,
Katie, and Tracy."
Since there are three women involved, "between" should be "among."
Correct:
"Thanks to the meeting, there was quickly an agreement among Sarah,
Katie, and Tracy."
4) Summary
| Number of elements (people, things, etc.) in the comparison |
Proper comparison word |
| 2 |
more (i.e. more quickly, more fair, etc.) |
| 3 or more |
most (i.e. most quick, most fair, etc. |
| 2 |
-er ending (slower, better, etc.) |
| 3 or more |
-est ending (slowest, best, etc.) |
| 2 |
between (i.e. between you and me, between the two students, etc.) |
| 3 or more |
among (i.e. among the four students, etc.) |
