What is "larger" size of this blouse? What is "the largest" size of this blouse?
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Pretty much any context can be imagined for the use of any sentence or grammatical point. So we really need to know in what context do you want to say what. In general, if you want to refer to the 'superlative' size, use largest.– pazzoDec 2, 2014 at 4:02
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Hello CarSmack! This sentence is from an examination paper. It asks me to fill out the blanks. What is _____________ size of this blouse? (large) So, that's why I am asking for help. The answer is "the largest" on the answer sheet. But if I write "larger", should it be ok???– Jenny CHDec 2, 2014 at 4:07
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If the answer sheet says the largest is correct, why would you want to use the larger? Either one could be correct depending upon the context . Usually a test will tell you what it is testing you on (for example, the comparative or superlative). I can say that either larger or largest by itself would not be standard English. Also, in English we fill in the blanks.– pazzoDec 2, 2014 at 5:13
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3 Answers
No, "What is larger size" is not grammatical. You can say "Is there A larger size?" (comparative) or "What is THE NEXT larger size?" (comparative) or, as the answer sheet suggests, "What is the largest size?" (superlative). Of course, in real life, you might more likely say "Is THIS the largest size you have?" (meaning "Don't you have anything larger?") because you usually don't actually want to know what is the largest size, but rather whether they have one large enough to fit you.
answered Dec 5, 2014 at 13:33
The answer must be "largest". :) "Larger" means comparing two objects. Since the sentence is not comparing to another blouse, so it must be "largest".
Actually, it depends. If you want just immediate larger size of the particular blouse, then "larger" is the word. And if you want the biggest size in that blouse, then obviously "largest" should be used.
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Actually, "the next larger" would indicate the "immediate larger size" you mentioned" Dec 5, 2014 at 13:22