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Art Scene 2 Language Focus

What's the best way of making a comparison? Rob and Stephen talk about comparatives and superlatives.

Watch the video. Then go to Task and do the activities.

Task 1

Type the comparative and superlative forms into the spaces provided.

Exercise

Task 2

Order the words to make sentences using the comparative or superlative.

Exercise

Task 3

Type in the missing words to finish the sentences from the last exercise; the first letter of each word is given as a clue.

Exercise

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Submitted by Zeeshan Siddiqii on Thu, 09/08/2018 - 05:15

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My question is about superlative degree 'eldest'. Can the word 'eldest' be used for a person who possess high status? Supposing, Mr. A has higher status than Mr. B, can we say, "Mr. A has always been eldest of all (exalted)"? If not, can we say, 'Mr. A has always been senior.' or 'Mr. A is senior.' Please also tell me if the word 'senior' only mean that A is more experienced. Can this word (senior) refer to status?

Hello Zeeshan Siddiqii,

'Eldest' is used only to refer to age. 'Senior' can refer to age (as in the phrase 'senior citizen') and can also describe status. You can talk about a person being the senior member of the team (most experienced or qualified) and talk about a person's seniority (rank or status).

The opposite of senior is 'junior'.

 

Peter

The LearnEnglish Team

Submitted by Yshc on Wed, 28/02/2018 - 12:33

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Could you, please, clarify the use of "most... about.." In the Exercise number two we have "The most difficult thing about English is..". It's ok. But sometimes I meet sentences without "the", such as "What do you like most about him?" And also I can find very similar sentences, but with "the" - "You know what I like the most about Chicago?" Which is correct regarding the use of the article "the"?

Hello Yshc,

In an informal style, 'the' is sometimes omitted before 'most', particularly when it is being used as an adverb, e.g. 'What I like most about him is that he is very reliable' or 'She writes most effectively after her kids are in bed'. In these cases, 'the' can be used or omitted with no change in meaning.

As far as I can think right now, it is never necessary to omit 'the', so if you have any doubt, I'd suggest using 'the' when you speak or write.

You might also want to read through this Cambridge Dictionary entry on 'most', which might be useful even though it doesn't directly address your question.

All the best,
Kirk
The LearnEnglish Team