Surer? More Sure? - Page 2

Alyssa Miranda · 07-04-2013, 07:29 AM

A similar example is the word "unique," which means "one of a kind;" thus if something is unique it can't be even more "one of a kind" than it already is. Having said that, in both cases idiomatic usage allows for exceptions. The phrase, "more perfect Union" appears in the preamble to the U.S. Constitution, and the expression, "more unique" (but not "uniquer") is often used in everyday speech and writing. The point to take away from this discussion I think is, if a word or phrase as used in the context of your writing gives you pause, if probably will give the reader pause as well, and you should find some other way to express the same thought.

07-04-2013, 07:29 AM	#16
Alyssa Miranda Connoisseur Posts: 59 Karma: 1121282 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: New Jersey Device: Kindle and Nook	I agree with the logic re: "perfect." A similar example is the word "unique," which means "one of a kind;" thus if something is unique it can't be even more "one of a kind" than it already is. Having said that, in both cases idiomatic usage allows for exceptions. The phrase, "more perfect Union" appears in the preamble to the U.S. Constitution, and the expression, "more unique" (but not "uniquer") is often used in everyday speech and writing. The point to take away from this discussion I think is, if a word or phrase as used in the context of your writing gives you pause, if probably will give the reader pause as well, and you should find some other way to express the same thought.