Any comparison between two or more items must have three characteristics:
completeness consistency clarity
At least two items are needed for a comparison.
Example 1 - incorrect:
The above comparison compares Blotto ice cream's fat content to nothing.
Example 1 - correct:
Example 2 - incorrect:
The above example is incomplete: He ran so fast that what happened?
Example 2 - correct:
Now the "so" has been qualified,
comparing his running speed with the record.
A. Items being compared must have a basis in similarity; in other words, the basis of comparison must be logical.
Example 1 - incorrect:
The example above compares rugs to a
store (Macy's)
Example 1 - correct:
The correct version compares rugs to rugs.
Example 2 - incorrect:
The example above compares opinions to private citizens.
Example 2 - correct options:
The correct version compares opinions to opinions.
B. A comparison needs at least two items to compare.
Example 1 - incorrect:
The "anyone I know" in the example above includes Jim. Therefore, the above comparison illogically compares Jim to himself.
Example 1 - correct
The correct version compares Jim
(whom I know) to others I know.
Example 2 - incorrect:
The "anyone we have heard" includes Megan.
Therefore, the above comparison illogically compares Megan to Megan.
Example 2 - correct:
The correct version compares Megan to others we have heard..
Example 1 - incorrect:
In this example, the meaning is unclear. The sentence could mean
Jacqueline gave her sister more
affection than she gave her brother.
OR
Jacqueline gave her sister more affection than her brother gave to her sister.
Example 1 - correct options:
In each sentence above, the intended comparison is clear.