Understanding how to compare things in English is essential for effective communication. This involves using comparatives and superlatives correctly. This guide explores the comparative form of “quick” and other common comparative and superlative forms in English.
Forming Comparatives and Superlatives
Comparatives are used to compare two things, while superlatives highlight the extreme degree of a quality among three or more things. For many single-syllable adjectives and some two-syllable adjectives, comparatives are formed by adding “-er,” and superlatives by adding “-est.” For instance:
| Adjective | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|---|---|
| Big | Bigger | Biggest |
| Small | Smaller | Smallest |
| Tall | Taller | Tallest |
| Young | Younger | Youngest |
For longer adjectives and adverbs, or those ending in “-ful,” “-ous,” or “-less,” “more” and “most” are used:
| Adjective/Adverb | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|---|---|
| Beautiful | More beautiful | Most beautiful |
| Dangerous | More dangerous | Most dangerous |
| Carelessly | More carelessly | Most carelessly |
| Quickly | More quickly | Most quickly |
The Comparative Form of Quick: Quicker or More Quickly?
While “quicker” and “quickest” are often used in informal conversation, grammatically, the correct comparative and superlative forms of “quick” are “more quickly” and “most quickly,” especially in formal writing. This is because “quick” is primarily an adjective, and “quickly” is the adverbial form. When comparing the speed of actions, we use the adverb “quickly.” Therefore:
- Correct: He runs more quickly than she does.
- Incorrect: He runs quicker than she does.
Irregular Comparatives and Superlatives
Some common words have irregular comparative and superlative forms that don’t follow the standard rules. These need to be memorized:
| Adjective/Adverb | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|---|---|
| Good/Well | Better | Best |
| Bad/Badly | Worse | Worst |
| Little | Less | Least |
| Much/Many | More | Most |
| Far | Further/Farther | Furthest/Farthest |
Remembering these irregular forms is crucial to avoid grammatical errors.
Conclusion
Using comparatives and superlatives correctly enhances clarity and precision in English. While “quicker” might be acceptable in informal settings, “more quickly” is the grammatically correct comparative form of “quick” for formal writing. Mastering these forms, including irregular ones, is essential for proficient English communication. Understanding these nuances will make your writing more polished and professional.
