The Grammar Guru: Incomplete comparisons

The Grammar Guru is more obsessed about grammar...than most people.
The Grammar Guru is more obsessed about grammar...than most people.

Mekita Rivas, SNR communications associate, publishes a biweekly feature called "Grammar Guru."

Every other week, the Grammar Guru will share writing tips to help make your work as polished as possible. Some of these tips may address common spelling errors, while others will examine the many nuances of the English language.

Grammar Guru Tip #8
When you're comparing something with something else, make sure you always clarify what that something else is – otherwise it's impossible for your audience to judge whether the comparison is substantive and actually means anything.

Example:

NOT: Our faculty members are better, smarter and funnier.

(Better, smarter and funnier...than what?)

BUT: Our faculty members are better, smarter and funnier than their faculty members.

Need some grammar guidance? The UNL Style Guide (http://unlcms.unl.edu/ucomm/styleguide/) is a great resource for all university employees. If you have writing questions that the style guide doesn't answer, feel free to email the Grammar Guru at mrivas@unl.edu.