driest ordryest

Milton   Mon Nov 12, 2007 2:58 am GMT
Hi
I would like to know what's the preferred form,
in US English: is it dryest or driest?

thanks for help
guest   Mon Nov 12, 2007 9:03 pm GMT
it can be either: "driest' or 'dryest'

same for 'drier' or 'dryer'

though I admit to seeing 'dryer' and 'dryest' more often.

the other forms with 'i' look older and one's mind doesn't readily connect them to the word 'dry', so I would go with the 'y' forms personally
Skippy   Mon Nov 12, 2007 9:07 pm GMT
I could be off on this, but I think (at least in America) "drier" is an adjective while "dryer" is a noun (like a clothes dryer or a hair dryer).
guest   Mon Nov 12, 2007 9:48 pm GMT
<<I could be off on this, but I think (at least in America) "drier" is an adjective while "dryer" is a noun (like a clothes dryer or a hair dryer). >>

That is correct, but the adjective can also be 'dryer' dryest' as well

and the noun is probably what I'm referring to when I say "seeing more often" : )