[Grammar] happier than ten years ago

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snappy

Are the following sentences okay?

1. I am still happier than ten years ago.

1a Should I say, "I am still happier than I was ten years ago."?
Is the sentence okay as it is because it makes sense?

I personally would say 1a, and I'd definitely write it. But 1. would be acceptable to most people in speech; the ellipsis is understood.

2. I'm a lot better now than yesterday.
Is this sentence okay because it compares my condition now and my condition yesterday? If yes, does sentence 1 make sense if I put "now" after "happier"?
Yes, good thinking.

But there's a problem with "still".
3. "I am happier now than ten years ago" is perfectly good. But by using 'still', you're indicating another time which you don't specify.
For example. 4. "In the last few years, I've been happier than I was ten years ago. And I'm still happier now than ten years ago."

More about "still".
5. "In the last few years, I've been happier than I was ten years ago. And now I'm happier still." This means I'm even more happy now than I've been in the last few years.
"Still" can also mean "Even so, in any case"
6. "I've had some misfortune lately. Still, I am happier now than ten years ago."

R.