Adjectives can be used to compare nouns and/or pronouns. Comparatives and superlatives are special adjectives that compare two (comparatives) or more (superlatives) things. Most comparatives are formed by adding -er to an adjective, and most superlatives are formed by adding -est. Superlatives are usually preceded by the (the fastest).
Comparatives
A comparative adjective is used to compare two things or beings. It is usually formed by adding -er to all one-syllable adjectives and some two-syllable adjectives. More + adjective is used when -er doesn’t fit. When two nouns are being compare in a sentence, the preposition than is used to link them.
John is smarter than Tom.
Your music is nicer than my music.
Labradors are bigger than Chihuahuas.
Susan is happier today.
Jane is more intelligent than Mary.
Spelling
Here are the rules for making adjectives into comparative adjectives:
- Short Adjectives: add -er
poorer, shorter, richer, faster, newer, older, etc. - Short Adjectives that end with ‘e’: add – r
larger, stranger, wiser, etc. - Short Adjectives that end with CVC*: double the last Consonant and add -er
bigger, thinner, fatter, hotter, etc.
CVC EXCEPTIONS: Words that end with -x, -w, and -y In these cases, just add -er - Adjectives that end with -y: remove the -y and add -ier
happier, funnier, dirtier, uglier, etc. - long adjectives: use more before the adjective.
more intelligent, more attractive, more expensive, more beautiful, etc.
Superlatives
A superlative adjectives are used to compare three or more nouns and/or pronouns. It is usually formed by adding -est to all one-syllable adjectives and some two-syllable adjectives. The most + adjective is used when -est doesn’t fit.
He drives the fastest car.
She was the bravest child.
Yesterday was the hottest day of the summer.
She tells the silliest jokes.
That’s the most beautiful painting I’ve ever seen.
Spelling
Here are the rules for making adjectives into superlative adjectives:
- Short Adjectives: add -est
poorest, shortest, richest, fastest, newest, oldest, etc. - Short Adjectives that end with ‘e’: add – st
largest, strangest, wisest, etc. - Short Adjectives that end with CVC*: double the last Consonant and add -est
biggest, thinnest, fattest, hottest, etc.
CVC EXCEPTIONS: Words that end with -x, -w, and -y In these cases, just add -est - Adjectives that end with -y: remove the -y and add -iest
happiest, funniest, dirtiest, ugliest, etc. - long adjectives: use the most before the adjective.
the most intelligent, the most attractive, the most expensive, the most beautiful, etc.
Irregular Comparatives and Superlatives
Some adjectives don’t follow any of the above rules. Take a look:
| Adjective | Comparative | Superlative |
| good | better (than) | the best |
| bad | worse (than) | the worst |
| little | less (than) | the least |
| much | more (than) | the most |
| far | further (than) / farther (than) | the furthest / the farthest |
* CVC means Consonant-Vowel-Consonant