A TRYST WITH ENGLISH

There are two kinds of superlative degrees. ABSOLUTE SUPERLATIVE This superlative describes the best thing/person in a class. He is the most disciplined boy of the school. No other boy of the school is as disciplined as he is/him. No other boy of the school is more disciplined than he is/him. This book is the best among all books. No other book is as good as this. No other book is better than this. NON-ABSOLUTE SUPERLATIVE This superlative describes one of the best things in a class, but not the absolute best. He is one of the most disciplined boys in the school. (This means he is one among the best boys but not the only one. Remember to use a plural noun like 'boys'.) He is more disciplined than many other boys in the school. Few (or Not many) boys in the school are as disciplined as  him. Few (or Not many) boys in the school are more disciplined  than him.

1. CONSISTS OF VS. COMPRISES With consists we use 'of' but not with 'comprise(s)'. The team consists/consisted of eleven players. The team comprises/comprised eleven players. (NO 'OF') 2. OWING TO Owing to is used for mentioning reasons for something that has happened. It means 'on account of'. We cancelled the match owing to the heavy rain. His reading was hesitant owing to a stammer. 3. ALL/ EACH/ EVERY All the projects have been assigned. (plural verb) Each of the projects has been assigned. (singular verb) OR Each project has  been assigned to a responsible manager. Every project has  been assigned. (Every lays emphasis on completion of the task) 4. NONE/ NEITHER None is used for more than two people or things. None of the mangoes is sweet. (None of the mangoes are sweet is also accepted.) Neither is used when we talk of two persons or things. Neither of the doctors is  skillful. Neither doctor is  skillful. 5. IN ...