a derived-case - comparative - strategy that consists of two clauses which assert that the gradable predicative scale applies to the comparee and the standard, but the second clause uses the zero strategy for predicate identity, and the conjunction is a particle with diverse etymological origins. Example: Randy is older than Tom (is) is an instance of the particle strategy: the clause Randy is older is followed by the particle than which introduces the standard phrase Tom without its own predicate (only an optional auxiliary is). (Section 17.2.2)