Incomplete Comparisons

Welcome to the Grammar Minute, where we’re saving the English language sixty seconds at a time! I’m Lauren Smyth, and I have a potentially upsetting opinion: Mechanical pencils are just better. [wrong] Some of you are assuming the buzzer went off because my opinion is wrong. First of all, it’s just an opinion: it can’t be wrong. Second, there was a grammar mistake in that sentence. “Mechanical pencils are just better.” Better than what? Snails? Pomegranates? Pens? Markers? This is called an incomplete comparison. Terms like “better,” “worse,” “smaller,” and so on are comparative adjectives. When you use these, you should always specify both of the things you’re comparing. As with everything, there are exceptions. If you’re writing informally and it’s obvious what you’re comparing based on context, you can get away without specifying. “Mechanical pencils are just better” could be a clippy response to a friend who has just made the opposite assertion. That’s your Grammar Minute! Visit thegrammarminute.com for more tips and tricks.