What Are Comparative and Superlative Adjectives?

Comparative and superlative adjectives are essential for expressing comparisons between things. Understanding how to form and use them correctly can significantly enhance your writing and communication skills. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of comparative and superlative adjectives, including their definitions, formation rules, usage examples, and practice exercises.

The Basics of Comparatives and Superlatives

Understanding Comparative Adjectives

Comparative adjectives are used to compare two nouns, highlighting the difference in a particular quality. They indicate that one noun possesses a quality to a greater or lesser degree than the other.

For one-syllable adjectives, the comparative form is typically created by adding “-er” to the base adjective. For example:

• tall – taller
• big – bigger
• small – smaller

If the one-syllable adjective ends in a consonant-vowel-consonant pattern, double the final consonant before adding “-er”:

• hot – hotter
• thin – thinner
• fat – fatter

For two-syllable adjectives, the comparative form can often be formed by adding “-er” or by using “more” before the adjective. While some adjectives can use both forms, certain conventions prevail. Generally, adjectives ending in “-y,” “-le,” “-ow,” or “-er” take “-er,” while others use “more.” For example:

• happy – happier
• simple – simpler
• narrow – narrower
• clever – cleverer
• famous – more famous
• modern – more modern

For adjectives with three or more syllables, always use “more” before the adjective:

• beautiful – more beautiful
• expensive – more expensive
• intelligent – more intelligent

There are also some irregular comparative adjectives:

Example Sentences:

• My car is faster than yours.
• This book is more interesting than the last one I read.
• The weather today is worse than yesterday.

Understanding Superlative Adjectives

Superlative adjectives are used to compare three or more nouns, indicating that one possesses a quality to the highest or lowest degree.

Similar to comparatives, the formation of superlative adjectives depends on the number of syllables.

For one-syllable adjectives, add “-est”:

• tall – tallest
• big – biggest
• small – smallest

Remember to double the final consonant for CVC patterns:

• hot – hottest
• thin – thinnest
• fat – fattest

For two-syllable adjectives, add “-est” or use “most” before the adjective, following the same conventions as comparatives:

• happy – happiest
• simple – simplest
• narrow – narrowest
• clever – cleverest
• famous – most famous
• modern – most modern

For adjectives with three or more syllables, always use “most” (or “least” for the lowest degree):

• beautiful – most beautiful
• expensive – most expensive
• intelligent – most intelligent

Irregular superlative adjectives include:

Example Sentences:

• Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world.
• She is the most intelligent student in the class.
• This is the worst movie I’ve ever seen.

Using Comparatives and Superlatives Correctly

Remember to use “than” after a comparative adjective and “the” before a superlative adjective.

• Correct: She is taller than him.

• Incorrect: She is taller him.

• Correct: He is the tallest person in the room.

• Incorrect: He is tallest person in the room.

Practice Exercises

Identify the comparative and superlative adjectives in the following sentences:

1. This is the smallest dog I’ve ever seen.
2. Your house is farther from the school than mine.
3. He is the most successful businessman in the city.
4. This book is more exciting than the previous one.
5. She is the best singer in the choir.

Conclusion

Comparative and superlative adjectives are fundamental tools for effective communication, enabling us to make clear and concise comparisons. By understanding the rules for their formation and usage, you can express comparisons with accuracy and precision. Regular practice and application of these principles will solidify your understanding and enhance your writing skills.