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#2 (permalink) Mon Dec 04, 2006 9:47 am Is "The more the better" a sentence or phrase? |
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Hi,
There is no need to include 'is' in this construction/phrase. Other examples:
The bigger the better/The faster the better. You can also use the same construction with verbs as in:
The more you read, the better your vocabulary becomes.
A _________________ English as a Second Language You can read my ESL story Your Choice |
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Alan Co-founder

Joined: 27 Sep 2003 Posts: 9209 Location: UK
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#3 (permalink) Mon Dec 04, 2006 10:22 am Is "The more the better" a sentence or phrase? |
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Hi Jupiter
That's a standard construction for comparatives: the ... the ...
Each 'the' is followed by a comparative. The example you gave is the simplest formation and would refer back to something previously said, so many of the words are simply understood. For example, if someone had offered you a piece of cake and wanted to know whether you wanted a big piece or a small piece, you might answer "The bigger (the piece of cake is) the better (I will like it)."
As Alan mentioned, you will also find more complex the... the... sentences:
The longer you wait, the worse it will get. The more fruit you eat, the healthier you will be. The less time you waste, the better off you will be.
Amy |
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Yankee I'm a Communicator ;-)

Joined: 16 Apr 2006 Posts: 8265 Location: USA
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#4 (permalink) Tue Dec 05, 2006 5:07 am Thanks |
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Hi teachers,
Thanks a lot for your explanation. It did help me very much.
Please see below:
"The more you read, the better your vocabulary becomes"
1/ What is the function of "the more" in the above sentence? Is it an adverb?
"Of all my relative, I love my uncle the best."
2/ Does "the best" function as an adverb?
3/ Can I say "Of all my relative, I love my uncle the most"
Thanks in advance
Jupiter |
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Jupiter I'm here quite often ;-)
Joined: 15 Dec 2005 Posts: 207 Location: Cambodia
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#5 (permalink) Wed Dec 06, 2006 11:17 am Thanks |
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Hi teacher,
I'm waiting for your response
Thanks in advance
Jupiter |
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Jupiter I'm here quite often ;-)
Joined: 15 Dec 2005 Posts: 207 Location: Cambodia
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#6 (permalink) Wed Dec 06, 2006 13:53 pm Is "The more the better" a sentence or phrase? |
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Hi Jupiter
Adverb: Yes, yes and yes.
And your sentence needs an 's': "Of all my relatives, I love my uncle the most."
Amy |
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Yankee I'm a Communicator ;-)

Joined: 16 Apr 2006 Posts: 8265 Location: USA
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#7 (permalink) Sun Sep 21, 2008 4:58 am Can I use...?! |
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| ..Sentence: "We supply the better air conditions" like a slogan... |
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Sir_ProS New Member
Joined: 21 Sep 2008 Posts: 3
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#8 (permalink) Sun Sep 21, 2008 5:00 am Is "The more the better" a sentence or phrase? |
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| "We supply the better air conditions".. Can I use it..?! |
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Sir_ProS New Member
Joined: 21 Sep 2008 Posts: 3
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#9 (permalink) Sun Sep 21, 2008 10:45 am Is "The more the better" a sentence or phrase? |
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| Sir_proS wrote: |
| "We supply the better air conditions".. Can I use it..?! |
Do you mean "air conditioners"?
Traditional grammar books indicate that when two entities are compared, only the comparative form (-er or more) can be used. However, in informal spoken contexts the comparative and the superlative form are both used, with a general preference for the superlative:
Both brothers are very bright but Paul is the brightest. (or, more formal: Both brothers are very bright but Paul is the brighter.)
How many air conditioning suppliers are there in you context here and is your message meant to be formal or informal?
"We supply the better air conditions (conditioners)
"How many supplier are there? |
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Molly I'm a Communicator ;-)
Joined: 12 Feb 2008 Posts: 4017
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#10 (permalink) Sun Sep 21, 2008 18:24 pm 10x..! |
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hmm..I change my conception... Now I use : "We supply the best conditions"... is that appropriate slogan from the English grammar point of view...?! |
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Sir_ProS New Member
Joined: 21 Sep 2008 Posts: 3
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| meaning of 'inexorable love' | meaning of "a light reading" |