When learning English, you may come across sentences that use comparative forms like ‘better and better’ or ‘worse and worse,’ often preceded by ‘getting’ or ‘becoming.’ But is it always necessary to include these words? In this article, we will explore whether you must always use ‘getting’ or ‘becoming’ in such constructions and how these words influence the meaning of the sentence.
What Does ‘Getting’ and ‘Becoming’ Mean in Comparatives?
‘Getting’ and ‘becoming’ are used to describe a gradual change or progression. They often appear in sentences with comparative forms to show that something is continuously improving or deteriorating. For example, in the sentence ‘Your grades are getting better and better,’ the use of ‘getting’ indicates that the improvement in grades is ongoing.
Do You Always Need ‘Getting’ or ‘Becoming’ with Comparative Forms?
While it is common to use ‘getting’ or ‘becoming’ with comparative adjectives (such as ‘better’ or ‘worse’), it is not always required. You can use comparative forms without these words, especially when the context makes it clear that there is a gradual change. For example, you can say, ‘Your grades are better and better’ without the word ‘getting,’ and it would still make sense, although it sounds less dynamic.
Examples of ‘Getting’ and ‘Becoming’ in Sentences
Here are some examples to clarify the usage of ‘getting’ and ‘becoming’ with comparative forms:
- ‘The weather is getting warmer and warmer every day.’
- ‘Her performance is becoming more impressive as time goes on.’
- ‘His health is getting worse and worse.’
- ‘Their relationship is becoming stronger and stronger.’
When Can You Omit ‘Getting’ or ‘Becoming’?
In certain cases, ‘getting’ or ‘becoming’ can be omitted when the context already implies a gradual change. For example, you might say, ‘Your grades are better and better,’ which still implies that there is improvement over time, but you don’t necessarily need to use ‘getting’ or ‘becoming’ for the sentence to make sense.
Conclusion: Using ‘Getting’ and ‘Becoming’ with Comparatives
In summary, while it is common to use ‘getting’ or ‘becoming’ with comparative forms to indicate a gradual change, they are not always necessary. You can omit them in certain situations, especially when the context implies progression. However, including these words often helps emphasize the ongoing nature of the change, making your sentence sound more natural and fluid.
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