418 / Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics
-^ Good^ is an adjective; well^ can be an adjective or adverb. As an adjective, well^
means in good health, of good appearance, satisfactory. Well as an adjective
usually follows a linking verb.
All is well (adjective after a linking verb) now that Ricardo made good
(adjective) grades and gets along well (adverb) with his stepfather.
-^ Use fewer to refer to countable things and less^ to refer to amounts.
Use less coffee (an amount) for fewer cups (countable thing).
-^ Distinguish between the comparative and the superlative forms.
Use the comparative form (words ending in –er or accompanied by the
word more) when discussing two things.
Jennifer is the older of the two sisters; she is also the more outgoing.
Use the superlative form (words ending in –est or accompanied by the
word most) when discussing three or more things.
Jennifer is the oldest of the three sisters; she is also the most outgoing.
-^ Avoid double negatives.
Incorrect: We didn’t get no mail.
Correct: We didn’t get any mail.
-^ Avoid illogical comparisons.
Illogical: The white-throated sparrow’s song is more welcome than any
winter sound. (The song is a winter sound; thus the illogical compari-
son is that the song is more welcome than itself.)
Logical: The white-throated sparrow’s song is more welcome than any
other winter sound.