Comparatives
Comparatives Use –er to compare one syllable adjectives and adverbs as well as two-syllable adjectives ending in -y.
-
- A horse is bigger than a dog.
-
- He is shorter than his brother.
-
- I’m busier today than I was yesterday.
-
- I can run faster than you can.
-
- My house is smaller.
- It’s the lesser of two evils.
Use “more” or “less” to compare most other adjectives and adverbs.
-
- She is more helpful than her sister.
-
- Mr. Gallant is more courageous than his cousin.
-
- Craig is less practical than Kay.
-
- Celine sings more beautifully than Barbara.
- For better or worse
Use better and worse for comparisons with good or well.
-
- That’s a good movie, but this one is better.
- Actually, I think that one is worse.
Use as . . . as to show similarity
-
- He’s as quick as his brother.
- This chair is not as comfortable as that one.
Superlatives
Use the -est to indicate the superlative of one-syllable adjectives and adverbs as well as two-syllable adjectives ending in -y.
-
- He’s the fastest man alive.
-
- That’s the funniest clown I’ve ever seen.
- Ben works the hardest of them all.
Use the best or the worst as the superlative of good or well.
-
- This is the best deal I can offer you.
-
- That was the best time I’ve ever had.
-
- It was the worst dinner I’ve ever cooked.
- I like this one (the) best.
Use the most + adjective/adverb to indicate the superlative of longer adjectives and adverbs.
-
- He’s the most wonderful man I’ve met.
-
- That was the most difficult exam I’ve ever taken.
- Chris sings the most beautifully of them all.
For Practice: See : Comparative & Superlative (from The Internet TESL Journal)
If you have questions or comments about this page, please contact us.