Posted by ayuda on April 18, 2003, at 11:37:45
In reply to Re: The Best (or The Better?) of Both Worlds?, posted by Tabitha on April 18, 2003, at 2:04:00
> Hmm. the Better of Both Worlds sounds wrong, but if you replace Both with Two.. then you have
>
> Better of Two Worlds (sound right)
> Best of Two Worlds (sounds wrong)
>
> It's the same conundrum with "bunch" versus "number" of boards. When I read "bunch" I think "number". But if we were talking grapes, I'd think "bunch of grapes" not "number of grapes", unless they were already picked off the vine, then it would be a number of grapes. The boards seem like individuals to me, not a true "bunch".
>
> IsoM is right though, technically "bunch" is singular.
>
> Gee, where's an English teacher when you need one?
>I'm not an English teacher, but I am a History PhD student, which means I write A LOT, and we are VERY anal about grammar (among other things -- it helps to be a neurotic in this field). I have looked up "bunch," "best," and "better" in my American Heritage Dictionary.
"Bunch" is listed as a singular, not plural, term, for all of its usages. Thus, a singular verb would be in order when using bunch. However, I agree with those who say that "number" would be a better term, as it is not as colloquial as "bunch."
As for "better" and "best," "best" is listed as a "superlative of good," and a "superlative of well." "Better," however, is listed as a "comparitive of good," and a "comparitive of well," and there is the following usage hint:
"'Better' is normally used in a comparison of two: 'Which house of Congress has the better record?' However, best is used idiomatically with reference to two in certain locutions: 'Put your best foot forward.' 'May the best man win!' ... The use of 'better' for 'more,' as in 'the distance is better than a mile,' is considered unacceptable in writing by a majority of the Usage Panel [of the dictionary]."
I think that what stood out the most to me was the difference between a superlative and a comparitive. So now the grammarians can give us some insights on the difference between superlatives and comparitives.
poster:ayuda
thread:220096
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20030404/msgs/220372.html