The words “better” and “best” are the comparative and superlative forms of the adjective “good.” This article will explain how to use these forms correctly and will also cover the general rules for forming comparatives and superlatives in English.
Understanding Comparative Adjectives
Comparative adjectives compare two things or people. They highlight the difference in a particular quality between them. The structure usually follows this pattern:
Noun (subject) + verb + comparative adjective + than + noun (object).
For example:
- My car is faster than yours.
- This book is more interesting than the last one I read.
Sometimes, the second item of comparison is implied and can be omitted:
- This coffee is better. (Implied: than the other coffee)
Understanding Superlative Adjectives
Superlative adjectives describe something as having the most or least of a quality within a group. The structure usually follows this pattern:
Noun (subject) + verb + the + superlative adjective + noun (object).
For example:
- Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world.
- This is the most delicious cake I’ve ever tasted.
Forming Regular Comparatives and Superlatives
Most comparative and superlative forms follow regular patterns based on the number of syllables in the original adjective:
One-Syllable Adjectives
Add -er for the comparative and -est for the superlative. If the adjective ends in a consonant-vowel-consonant pattern, double the final consonant:
- tall – taller – tallest
- big – bigger – biggest
- sad – sadder – saddest
Two-Syllable Adjectives
These can either take -er and -est or use more and most. Often, both forms are acceptable, but one might sound more natural. When in doubt, using more and most is generally safer. If the adjective ends in -y, change it to -i before adding the ending:
- happy – happier – happiest
- pretty – prettier – prettiest
- modern – more modern – most modern
Three or More Syllable Adjectives
Always use more for the comparative and most for the superlative:
- important – more important – most important
- expensive – more expensive – most expensive
- comfortable – more comfortable – most comfortable
Irregular Comparatives and Superlatives
Some common adjectives don’t follow the regular rules. “Good” is one of them:
- good – better – best
- bad – worse – worst
- little – less – least
- much/many – more – most
- far – further/farther – furthest/farthest
Using “Better” and “Best” Correctly
“Better” compares two things:
- This restaurant is better than that one.
- He’s a better singer than his brother.
“Best” describes something as superior within a group of three or more:
- She’s the best student in the class.
- This is the best pizza in town.
Remember, using the correct comparative and superlative forms is essential for clear and accurate communication in English. While “good,” “better,” and “best” are seemingly simple words, understanding their usage is fundamental to mastering the nuances of the English language.
