Comparatives and Superlatives

In English, comparatives and superlatives are used to compare things, people, or places. These forms allow us to express differences (comparatives) and to show that something is at the highest or lowest degree (superlatives). Whether you’re talking about the tallest mountain, the fastest runner, or comparing two brands of smartphones, understanding how to form and use comparatives and superlatives is essential for effective communication.

1. Comparatives: Making Comparisons Between Two

Comparatives are used to compare two things, people, or groups. They help show whether one item has more or less of a quality than the other.

1.1. How to Form Comparatives

1. One-Syllable Adjectives:
   • Add “-er” to the end of the adjective.
   • Examples:
     • fast → faster
     • tall → taller
     • cold → colder
2. Two-Syllable Adjectives Ending in “-y”:
   • Replace the “-y” with “-ier”.
   • Examples:
     • happy → happier
     • busy → busier
3. Two or More Syllable Adjectives:
   • Use “more” or “less” before the adjective.
   • Examples:
     • expensive → more expensive
     • interesting → more interesting
4. Irregular Comparatives:
   • Some adjectives have irregular forms that don’t follow these rules.
   • Examples:
     • good → better
     • bad → worse
     • far → farther/further

1.2. Using Comparatives in Sentences

1. With “Than”:
   • New York is bigger than Boston.
   • My car is faster than yours.
2. Double Comparatives:
   • Use double comparatives to show that two things are increasing or decreasing together.
   • The more you practice, the better you get.

2. Superlatives: Showing the Extreme Degree

Superlatives are used to show that something has the highest or lowest degree of a quality among three or more items. They express the extreme form of a quality.

2.1. How to Form Superlatives

1. One-Syllable Adjectives:
   • Add “-est” to the adjective.
   • Examples:
     • fast → fastest
     • cold → coldest
     • small → smallest
2. Two-Syllable Adjectives Ending in “-y”:
   • Replace “-y” with “-iest”.
   • Examples:
     • happy → happiest
     • crazy → craziest
3. Two or More Syllable Adjectives:
   • Use “most” or “least” before the adjective.
   • Examples:
     • expensive → most expensive
     • important → most important
4. Irregular Superlatives:
   • Like comparatives, some adjectives have irregular superlative forms.
   • Examples:
     • good → best
     • bad → worst
     • far → farthest/furthest

2.2. Using Superlatives in Sentences

1. With “The”:
   • Superlatives are usually preceded by “the”.
   • She is the smartest student in the class.
   • This is the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen.
2. Showing Highest or Lowest Degree:
   • The Nile is the longest river in the world.
   • Who is the least talkative person in your family?

3. Common Mistakes with Comparatives and Superlatives

1. Using “More” with “-er”:
   • Incorrect: She is more taller than her brother.
   • Correct: She is taller than her brother.
2. Mixing Up Irregular Forms:
   • Incorrect: This is the goodest book I’ve read.
   • Correct: This is the best book I’ve read.
3. Double Comparatives or Superlatives:
   • Incorrect: This is the most biggest house.
   • Correct: This is the biggest house.
4. Using Superlatives Without “The”:
   • Incorrect: He is smartest in the class.
   • Correct: He is the smartest in the class.

4. Special Cases and Exceptions

1. Two Forms for Some Comparatives and Superlatives:
   • Some adjectives have two acceptable comparative and superlative forms:
     • far → farther/further, farthest/furthest (Both forms are correct, but “farther” often refers to physical distance, while “further” can refer to abstract ideas.)
2. Adjectives Ending in “-e”:
   • Simply add “-r” or “-st” instead of adding “-er” or “-est”:
   • large → larger, largest
   • nice → nicer, nicest
3. Adjectives Ending in a Consonant-Vowel-Consonant Pattern:
   • Double the final consonant before adding “-er” or “-est”:
   • big → bigger, biggest
   • hot → hotter, hottest

5. Quick Reference Chart