The comparative form of gentle depends on whether it’s being used as an adjective or an adverb. When comparing two things and describing their inherent nature, you use “gentler,” the comparative adjective. However, when describing how an action is performed, you use “more gently,” the comparative adverb. This article will delve into the differences between these two forms and provide examples to clarify their usage.
Gentler vs. More Gently: Adjective vs. Adverb
Understanding the difference between adjectives and adverbs is crucial to grasping the comparative forms of “gentle.”
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Adjective: An adjective describes a noun. It answers the question “What kind?” For example, in the phrase “a gentle breeze,” “gentle” modifies the noun “breeze,” describing what kind of breeze it is. The comparative form is “gentler,” used to compare two nouns: “The lamb was gentler than the goat.”
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Adverb: An adverb describes a verb, adjective, or another adverb. It answers questions like “How?”, “When?”, “Where?”, or “To what extent?”. In the sentence, “She spoke gently to the child,” “gently” modifies the verb “spoke,” describing how she spoke. The comparative form is “more gently,” used to compare two actions: “He handled the fragile vase more gently than before.”
Applying the Comparative: The Paintbrush Example
Let’s revisit the example that sparked this discussion: “The __ you move your paintbrush across the paper, the finer the strokes.” The correct answer is “more gently.” Here’s why:
The sentence requires an adverb to modify the verb “move.” We’re describing how the paintbrush is moved, not describing the paintbrush itself. Therefore, “more gently,” the comparative adverb, is the correct choice. Using “gentler” would be incorrect because it describes the paintbrush, not the action of moving it. A “gentler paintbrush” doesn’t inherently create finer strokes, but moving the brush more gently does.
Slower vs. More Slowly: A Similar Case
The “slower/more slowly” dilemma mirrors the “gentler/more gently” situation.
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“Slower” as an adjective: “The snail is slower than the cheetah.” Here, “slower” describes the noun “snail.”
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“Slower” as an adverb (informal): “Could you speak slower, please?” Although grammatically “more slowly” is preferred in formal writing, “slower” is often used colloquially as the comparative adverb.
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“More slowly” as an adverb (formal): “The traffic moved more slowly than usual.” This is the grammatically correct comparative adverbial form in formal English.
Conclusion
Choosing between “gentler” and “more gently” hinges on understanding the part of speech. Use “gentler” when comparing two nouns and “more gently” when comparing two actions. While “slower” can sometimes be used informally as an adverb, “more slowly” remains the preferred comparative form in formal writing. Remembering these distinctions ensures clear and grammatically correct communication.
