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Which of the following sentences is correct?

a)
1. John is taller than any student in his class.
2. John is taller than any other student in his class.

b)
1. No student is taller than John in his class.
2. No other student is taller than John in his class.

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    a(2) is correct as it's both more natural and avoids a logical paradox (as John is also a student in his class). b(2) is slightly more natural but it would be better to say "No other student in his class is taller than John."
    – user24964
    Commented Feb 18, 2014 at 12:41
  • possible duplicate of The occurrence of comparative degree
    – anongoodnurse
    Commented Feb 18, 2014 at 12:46
  • The b sentences leave open the possibility that another student is taller than John outside, but shrinks when he enters the classroom. (Not likely, but confusing none the less).
    – Tim Lymington
    Commented Feb 18, 2014 at 12:53

2 Answers 2

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Is John a student? If so, the second sentences in both cases are correct. In the first ones John could just as well be the professor.

I would suggest another sentence if at all possible:

John is the tallest student in his class.

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A2, B2 both make sense - Options 1 don't as John can't be taller than himself. B2 sounds rather contrived.

Can you go for 'John is the tallest student in his class'?

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