Learn how to use the comparative “bonier” and superlative “boniest” with example sentences and differences.

📝

Notes from a Native English Speaker

Comparative adjectives help us to describe how good or bad something is when compared to something else. For example, something is taller than something else. Superlative adjectives help us to describe something as having the most or least of a particular characteristic within a group. This makes it easier and more accurate to talk about and compare things.

What is the comparative form of “bony”?

The comparative form of “bony” is “bonier”.

Example

The skeleton of a bird is bonier than the skeleton of a mammal.

Example

She has become bonier since she started her diet.

What is the superlative form of “bony”?

The superlative form of “bony” is “boniest”.

Example

Among all the animals, the snake has the boniest structure.

Example

The patient was diagnosed with having the boniest knees the doctor had ever seen.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

'Most' and 'more' are generally not used with bony, bonier, and boniest. They’re considered regular comparatives and superlatives. The forms 'more bony' and 'most bony' are not used because they sound awkward. Instead, bonier and boniest are the correct and preferred forms to use.

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

Bony does not have an irregular comparative or superlative form. It follows the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: BonyBonier Superlative: BonyBoniest

Expressions with similar meanings to “bonier”

Used to describe something that is more thin and bony in appearance

Example

The more skeletal branches of the tree were visible in the winter.

Used to indicate something that is thinner in terms of size or width

Example

Her face became thinner after she lost weight.

more emaciated

A stronger way of expressing extreme thinness or malnourishment

Example

The more emaciated the dog became, the more concerned the owner became.

Expressions with similar meanings to “boniest”

Similar to boniest, this emphasizes extreme thinness and bony appearance

Example

The giraffe has the most skeletal structure among all land animals.

Used to describe the highest level of thinness in terms of size or width

Example

Her fingers were the thinnest among all her friends.

most emaciated

A stronger way of expressing extreme thinness or malnourishment

Example

The most emaciated patients were given priority for treatment.

Using than with comparative “bonier”

When using the comparative form bonier to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "His fingers are bonier than hers." Here, than is used to show that the level of boniness in 'his' fingers is greater than the level of boniness in 'hers'.

How can I use this expression in context?

“bonier” and “boniest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.
  • 1Animals

    The lizard has a bonier tail than the turtle.

    The lizard has a bonier tail than the turtle.

  • 2Human Body

    Her legs are bonier than her arms.

    Her legs are bonier than her arms.

  • 3Food

    The chicken wings were bonier than the chicken breast.

    The chicken wings were bonier than the chicken breast.

  • 4Objects

    The old chair had a bonier frame than the new one.

    The old chair had a bonier frame than the new one.

  • 5Nature

    The dead tree had bonier branches than the living trees.

    The dead tree had bonier branches than the living trees.

This content was generated with the assistance of AI technology based on RedKiwi's unique learning data. By utilizing automated AI content, we can quickly deliver a wide range of highly accurate content to users. Experience the benefits of AI by having your questions answered and receiving reliable information!