Comperative Superlative

WHAT IS A COMPARATIVE?
Words like prettier and richer (formed from the adjectives pretty and rich) are

known as comparatives. A comparative is used to show who (or what) has a
quality to the greater or lesser degree. (In the first example below, the quality
being compared is height.)
 You call that high? Blackpool Tower is higher.
(higher — comparative of high)
 The male fish is more beautiful than the female.
(more beautiful — comparative ofbeautiful)
WHAT IS A SUPERLATIVE?
Words like prettiest and richest (formed from the adjectives pretty and rich) are

known as superlatives. A superlative is used to show who (or what) has a quality
to the greatest or least degree.
 It is the most wonderful chocolate fudge I have ever tasted.
(most wonderful — superlative ofwonderful)
 Adam is good, but Simon is thebest.
(best — superlative of good)
ONLY DO IT ONCE
When forming a comparative or a superlative, be careful not to use a double

comparative or a double superlative. This is a common mistake, particularly in
speech.
 Ann is more prettier than Carla.
(This is a double comparative. The word prettier is the comparative ofpretty.
It is a mistake to use the word more as well.)
 Ann is prettier than Carla.
 He was the most best player.
(This is a double superlative. The word best is the superlative of good. It is a
mistake to use most as well. The word 'bestest' is obviously wrong too.)
 He was the best player.
 He was most quickest in the trials.
MORE SINGLE OR MORE DEAD?
Arguably, there are adjectives that should not have comparative or superlative
forms because their meanings already express the qualities to the highest
possible degree. For example:
 Instantaneous (Can something be more instantaneous?)
 Dead (Can something be more dead?)
 Single (Can something be more single?)
 Unique (Can something be more unique?)
Forming Comparatives and Superlatives from Adjectives

The rules for forming comparatives and superlatives from adjectives are varied.
Comparatives of Adjectives
Here are some examples of comparatives of adjectives:
 Misty Blue is a stronger horse on the flat.
(stronger — comparative of strong)
 The band must be made from a more precious metal than silver.
(more precious — comparative of precious)
 Peter is far clumsier.
(clumsier — comparative of clumsy)
 Try this question. It is less difficult.
(Less difficult is a comparative of difficult. However, it is common practice to
choose a word with the opposite meaning rather than use the less form; for
example, use easier instead of less difficult, and useweaker instead of less
strong.)
 The pansies here seem less dainty than the ones at home.
(less dainty — comparative of dainty)
Superlatives of Adjectives
Here are some examples of superlatives of adjectives:
 Geoff is now officially the strongest man in the world.
(strongest — superlative of strong)
 The bill is extortionate, and this is the noisiest place I have ever stayed.
(noisiest — superlative of noisy)

 It is the least attractive offer, but we are obliged to take it.
(least attractive — superlative of attractive)
 He ranks as one of the most silly people on the planet.
(silliest — superlative of silly)
 Last week, I stated that this woman was the ugliest woman I had ever
seen. I have since been visited by her sister and now wish to withdraw that
statement. (Mark Twain)
(ugliest — superlative of ugly)
Forming Comparatives and Superlatives from Adjectives

The table below shows the rules for forming comparatives and superlatives from
adjectives:
Type of Adjective Example of How to Form the How to Form the

Type of Comparative Superlative
Adjective
One Syllable strong add er add est
stronger strongest
One Syllable Ending big double consonant double consonant
Vowel Consonant thin and add er and add est
bigger biggest
thinner thinnest
More Than One famous add less ormore add most orleast
Syllable more famous least famous
More Than One silly remove y addier remove y addiest
Syllable Ending y sillier silliest
for less for least
less silly least silly
Irregular bad no rules no rules
good worse worst
many better best
more most

Comperative Superlative

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WHAT IS A COMPARATIVE?

Words like prettier and richer (formed from the adjectives pretty and rich) are

Words like prettiest and richest (formed from the adjectives pretty and rich) are

When forming a comparative or a superlative, be careful not to use a double

Forming Comparatives and Superlatives from Adjectives

(noisiest — superlative of noisy)

Forming Comparatives and Superlatives from Adjectives

Type of Adjective Example of How to Form the How to Form the

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