Write the label P for positive, C for comparative, or S for superlative to describe the degree of comparison of t italicized modifier
1. She learned that a sailfish can swim FASTER than a cheetah can run.
2. The blue whale is twenty-five times HEAVIER than the largest land animal, the African elephant.
1. S (superlative)
2. S (superlative)
1. The degree of comparison for "FASTER" is C (comparative).
2. The degree of comparison for "HEAVIER" is C (comparative).
To determine the degree of comparison of the italicized modifiers in the given sentences, we need to identify whether they are describing a positive, comparative, or superlative degree.
1. In the sentence "She learned that a sailfish can swim FASTER than a cheetah can run," the word "faster" is comparing the speed of swimming between a sailfish and a cheetah. Since it is comparing just two things, it is a comparative degree, so the label for this modifier is C.
2. In the sentence "The blue whale is twenty-five times HEAVIER than the largest land animal, the African elephant," the word "heavier" is emphasizing the difference in weight between the blue whale and the African elephant. It is comparing the weight between these two animals, but it is not a direct comparison of their weights. Instead, it is highlighting the immense weight of the blue whale in relation to the African elephant. Therefore, it is a superlative degree, so the label for this modifier is S.