A question.
The inconvenience of the logical construction is seen when we wish to use a predicate with number forms. Should we say, "This kind of rules are the best," or "This kind of rules is the best?" Kind or sort may be treated as a collective noun, and in this way may take a plural verb; for example, Burke's sentence, "A sort of uncertain sounds are, when the necessary dispositions concur, more alarming than a total silence."
COMPARATIVE AND SUPERLATIVE FORMS.
Use of the comparative degree.
428. The comparative degree of the adjective (or adverb) is used when we wish to compare two objects or sets of objects, or one object with a class of objects, to express a higher degree of quality; as,—
Which is the better able to defend himself,—a strong man with nothing but his fists, or a paralytic cripple encumbered with a sword which he cannot lift?—Macaulay.
Of two such lessons, why forget
The nobler and the manlier one?
—Byron.
We may well doubt which has the stronger claim to civilization, the victor or the vanquished.—Prescott.
A braver ne'er to battle rode.—Scott.
He is taller, by almost the breadth of my nail, than any of his court.—Swift.