Superlatives and Comparatives
We use the comparative and superlative form to compare and contrast different objects in English. Use the comparative form to show the difference between two objects. Example: New York is more exciting than Seattle. Use the superlative form when speaking about three or more objects to show which object is 'the most' of something.
Example: New York is the most exciting city in the USA.
Here is a chart showing how to construct the comparative form in English. Notice in the example sentences that we use 'than' to compare the two objects:
add '-er' to end of the adjective (Note: double the final consonant if preceded by a vowel) remove the 'y' from the adjective and add 'ier'
Example: cheap - cheaper / hot - hotter / high - higher
Example Sentences
Yesterday was hotter than today.
This book is cheaper than that book.
Two Syllable Adjectives Ending in '-y'
Example: happy - happier / funny - funnier
Example Sentences
I am happier than you.
That joke was funnier than his joke.
Two, Three or More Syllable Adjectives
place 'more' before the adjective
Example: interesting - more interesting / difficult - more difficult
Example Sentences
London is more expensive than Madrid.
This test is more difficult than the last test.
Here is a chart showing how to construct the superlative form in English:
One Syllable Adjectives
place 'the' before the adjective and add '-est' to end of the adjective (Note: double the final consonant if preceded by a vowel)
Example: cheap - the cheapest / hot - the hottest / high - the highest
Example Sentences
Today is the hottest day of the summer.
This book is the cheapest I can find.
Two, Three or More Syllable Adjectives
place 'the most' before the adjective
Example: interesting - the most interesting / difficult - the most difficult
Example Sentences
London is the most expensive city in England.
That is the most beautiful painting here.
Two Syllable Adjectives Ending in '-y' place 'the' before the adjective and remove the 'y' from the adjective and add 'iest'
Example: happy - the happiest / funny - the funniest
Example Sentences
New York is the noisiest city in the USA.
He is the most important person I know.
IMPORTANT EXCEPTIONS
There are some important exceptions to these rules. Here are two of the most important exceptions:
good
•good - adjective
•better - comparative
•the best - superlative
Example Sentences
This book is better than that one.
This is the best school in the city.
bad
•bad - adjective
•worse - comparative
•the worst - superlative Example Sentences
His French is worse than mine.
This is the worst day of my life.
