Rhetorical Use of Unbalanced Comparatives
In some contexts, such as advertising or political speeches, absolute and relative comparatives are intentionally employed in a way that invites a comparison, and yet the basis of comparison is not established. This is a common rhetorical device used to create an implication of significance where one may not actually be present. Although such usage is common, it is sometimes considered ungrammatical.
For example:
- Always!
- Why pay more?
- We work harder.
- We sell for less!
Read more about this topic: Degree Of Comparison
Famous quotes containing the words rhetorical and/or unbalanced:
“I come from a place that likes grandeur; it likes large gestures; it is not inhibited by flourish; it is a rhetorical society; it is a society of physical performance; it is a society of style.”
—Derek Walcott (b. 1930)
“I am unbalanced but I am not mad with snow.
I am mad the way young girls are mad,
with an offering, an offering . . .
I burn the way money burns.”
—Anne Sexton (1928–1974)