I just wrote: "I had never seen anything more sexy."
MS Word highlighted "more sexy" and suggested "sexier" instead. It does that all the time when I use "more."
Any thoughts on something like "more sexy" vs "sexier"?
I just wrote: "I had never seen anything more sexy."
MS Word highlighted "more sexy" and suggested "sexier" instead. It does that all the time when I use "more."
Any thoughts on something like "more sexy" vs "sexier"?
That's standard for English usage, as 'more' anything is usually denoted by the '-er' extension, so it's "sexy", "sexier" and "sexiest", just as it's "boring", "less boring" and "boringest" or simply "MOST incredibly boring!" ;)
Any thoughts on something like "more sexy" vs "sexier"?
At least to me, "sexier" sounds better than "more sexy". I'm trying to think of any common adjectives that end in a 'y' that sound better with the determiner rather than using the -ier form. Not coming up with any, though they might be out there.
I'm not saying that 'more sexy' isn't right, it just sounds odd to my ear.
I'm trying to think of any common adjectives that end in a 'y' that sound better with the determiner rather than using the -ier form.
I can think of a case where it might make sense. Specifically a comparative "X is more Y than Z" construct. Not that you couldn't use the -ier form for that case, but I don't think more Y sounds as odd in that case as it does standing alone.
I'm not saying that 'more sexy' isn't right, it just sounds odd to my ear.
I guess I think of "less" and "more" as similar constructs.
I never saw anything less sexy than that.
I never saw anything more sexy than that.
I guess I think of "less" and "more" as similar constructs.
They are similar. I think it comes down to whether or not there's a commonly used form of the adjective that deals with the same idea. Does anyone have an example of a common form that expresses 'less X'? I'm not coming up with one, but that's not to say they aren't out there.
You could use "hotter", yet that's essentially the same, though "That's fucking HOT!" avoids the odd construction entirely. "Sexy as hell," also works, as it drops the comparative form entirely. If you're using MS Word, often you can click on the word and select "synonyms", then pick the one more appropriate to your context, though that may be an Apple Mac feature, or just Google "sexy synonyms" on any other system.
Often, you have to search for decent alternatives if none spring to mind unbidden. ;) I love it when they do, yet often I come up dry instead. There are alternatives though. Plus, I'm a horrendous speller, so I can't write without internet and access because I can't spell well enough to even look up the words I know to get the spelling correct.
However, a good approach is to think of "action" or 'active' verbs instead of comparative terms.
Does anyone have an example of a common form that expresses 'less X'?
Instead of saying she wore a bathing suit with less material. "She wore a skimpy bathing suit."
Instead of saying you should spend less money each month. "You should be frugal with your paycheck."
Instead of saying you should drink less alcohol. "You should drink alcohol in moderation."
"You should drink alcohol in moderation."
Yes... but I think the right health message adds the word 'only' in there!
Or, as one SOL author likes to continually reference "All things in moderation, including moderation itself." In short, there's a time and place for moderations, as tea-totalers have NEVER been moderate about their attitudes.
"All things in moderation, including moderation itself."
A variation on "I am a very tolerant person, except when faced with the intolerant".
Sure, but those aren't forms of the original adjective like the '-ier' versions of 'sexy' or 'merry' or similar. I'm trying to come up with comparative forms of the base adjective that express the 'less' concept.
The most obvious would be to resort to our Latin language origins, where the "a-" prefix denotes "Not", so "asexual" denotes someone uninterested in sex of any kind. Which I'm pretty sure isn't your intent.
Though "partially", as in "partially abstinent" (ex: those who only avoid the harder proof alcohols, so wine and beer would be fine), or "partially sexually inclined" (ex: to denote someone who only has sex with women but not men) wouldn't really limit you in the least.
And of course, since their is no -ier or -est suffices for less, you'd be fine with "less sexy", "less attractive" or even "less interested" (in reading such material) would all be covered.
I tend to write e.g. 'more sexy' and have an editor point out that 'sexier' makes sense. My editing tools (I use Word for review but not for writing or editing) tend to ignore it.
On the other hand, 'more sexy' has a slight advantage over 'sexier' for one use. For emphasis reasons, I could write 'more sexy' and emphasize the 'more' part of things. 'Sexier' sort of does that, but it's comparatively awkward, though I've done things like it (though not with 'sexy').
That's more context specific, say when you'd describe someone as "more sexy" to indicate their attitude, attire (or lack therein), hair, makeup and their general physique (i.e. not 500lbs). However, it's also easier to misinterpret such uses too. Though again, "more interested in you", or "more fascinated" or even "more captivated" or "beguiled" all work too. As not all words use those more straightforward comparative terms. (i.e. beguileder?).
I just wrote: "I had never seen anything more sexy."
'More sexy' is slower, therefore adding more emphasis.
I think it's a useful tool in the toolbox.
AJ
It is a valid usage, though it's often hard to infer context, so you'd want to be fairly explicit about what you're saying. However, it's all in the delivery, as I always imagine "sexier" to be more drawn out, so the term lasts longer (i.e. is more enunciated or purposely "over-emphasized".
'More sexy' is slower, therefore adding more emphasis.
I think it's a useful tool in the toolbox.
That's what I thought.
I found a grammar rule online.
Two syllables, ending in Y.
Examples: happy, silly, lonely
Change Y to I and add er. (Happier)
Two syllables or more, not ending in Y.
Examples: modern, interesting, beautiful
Use More. (More modern)
Obviously the GRAMMATICALLY CORRECT version would be 'Sexy, Sexier, Sexiest'.
However, as the saying goes, your mileage may vary.
Two syllables, ending in Y.
Examples: happy, silly, lonely
Change Y to I and add er. (Happier)
Two syllables or more, not ending in Y.
Examples: modern, interesting, beautiful
Use More. (More modern)
Interesting.
Thanks.
Obviously the GRAMMATICALLY CORRECT version would be 'Sexy, Sexier, Sexiest'.
A grammatically correct version.
Grammatically there's nothing wrong with 'more'. It affects the cadence of the sentence differently.
AJ
Always interesting conversations here. May I humbly suggest that the use of the word "sexy" and any of its variants has been beaten like the proverbial rented mule and has become unimaginative? I just read a story that used the phrase "her sexy tits". Really? One (or two I suppose) of the most beautiful, impressive, outstanding parts of the female anatomy and all you can come up with is sexy? Scintillating, seductive, arousing, voluptuous, spicy, steamy… and the 12 year old boy on me always finds "titillating" humorous in reference to breasts. One story seemed to used it in every sentence and it just seemed lazy to me. Shoes, tits, ass, nose, dress, panties. All were sexy. It's ruined the word for me, rendering it meaningless. Like "love".
I have 3 stories in the mill that run afoul of the sites new rules. One is 23 chapters in and deals with my 14 - 18 year old years coming of age. I might put that on hold until the dust settles here but the other 2 - best they be updated. Thanks to all who post here. You're all so sexy.
Might as well post them, now that SOL found a new hosting service, who's apparently not as early intimidated by vague, empty threats.