Degree Marking

Write a Detailed Note on Degree Marking

Degree marking in morphology refers to the modification of adjectives and adverbs to indicate the intensity or extent of a particular quality or manner. This process allows speakers to express nuances of meaning such as comparison, superlative, or intensity. There are three degrees of comparison: positive, comparative, and superlative.

1. Positive Degree:
   • The positive degree is the base form of an adjective or adverb, indicating a basic level of quality without making any comparison. It describes a simple state or condition.

Examples:

1. • • She is a good singer.
     • He runs fast.
2. Comparative Degree:
   • The comparative degree is used to compare two things or actions, showing a higher or lower level of the quality than the positive degree. For most adjectives and adverbs, the comparative is formed by adding “-er” or using “more” before the word.

Examples:

1. • • She is a better singer than him.
     • He runs more quickly than I do.
2. Superlative Degree:
   • The superlative degree is used to compare three or more things or actions, indicating the highest or lowest level of the quality. For most adjectives and adverbs, the superlative is formed by adding “-est” or using “most” before the word.

Examples:

1. • • She is the best singer in the group.
     • He runs the most quickly of all the athletes.
2. Irregular Comparisons:
   • Some adjectives and adverbs have irregular forms in the comparative and superlative degrees, and they do not follow the standard “-er” or “-est” pattern. Examples include:
     • good -> better -> best
     • bad -> worse -> worst
     • far -> farther/further -> farthest/furthest
3. Degree Marking in Adverbs:
   • Adverbs are often modified to indicate the degree to which an action is performed. The modification can be done by adding “-ly” to the adjective or by using words like “very,” “too,” “so,” etc.

Examples:

1. • • She sings beautifully.
     • He ran very quickly.
2. Double Comparatives and Superlatives:
   • In informal language, double comparatives or superlatives are sometimes used for emphasis, though they may not strictly adhere to grammatical rules. Examples include “more better,” “most fastest,” etc.

Examples:

1. • • That was more better than I expected.
     • She is the most fastest runner in the team.

Understanding degree marking is crucial for effective communication in English, as it allows speakers and writers to convey shades of meaning and make nuanced comparisons between different qualities or actions.