Introduction
In English, comparatives and superlatives are used to express differences between two or more things. They help us to show degrees of comparison, making it clear when something is greater, lesser, or the greatest in a group.
Forming Comparatives and Superlatives
1. One-Syllable Adjectives
- Comparative: Add “-er” to the adjective.
- Superlative: Add “-est” to the adjective.
| Adjective | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|
| tall | taller | tallest |
| big | bigger | biggest |
| fast | faster | fastest |
2. Two-Syllable Adjectives Ending in “-y”
- Comparative: Change “-y” to “-i” and add “-er.”
- Superlative: Change “-y” to “-i” and add “-est.”
| Adjective | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|
| happy | happier | happiest |
| busy | busier | busiest |
| messy | messier | messiest |
3. Two or More Syllables
- Comparative: Use “more” before the adjective.
- Superlative: Use “most” before the adjective.
| Adjective | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|
| beautiful | more beautiful | most beautiful |
| interesting | more interesting | most interesting |
| difficult | more difficult | most difficult |
4. Irregular Adjectives
Some adjectives have irregular comparative and superlative forms.
| Adjective | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|
| good | better | best |
| bad | worse | worst |
| far | farther | farthest |
Examples in Sentences
- Elephants are bigger than lions. (Comparative)
- This is the biggest cake I have ever seen. (Superlative)
- She is more talented than her brother. (Comparative)
- This is the most important exam of the year. (Superlative)
- He is the best player on the team. (Superlative)
Usage Guidelines
- When comparing two things, use the comparative form:
- When comparing more than two things, use the superlative form:
Summary
Comparatives and superlatives are essential tools in English for making comparisons. By adding “-er” or “more” for comparatives and “-est” or “most” for superlatives, you can clearly convey the relative size, quality, or degree of something.
