To compare two things, we use what is called a COMPARATIVE ADJECTIVE to what is different between the two things. We do this by modifying the adjective of the characteristic that is different. Here are the rules for this:
For adjectives of one syllable:
You add ‘ER’
Examples:
smart – smartER
young – youngER
fast – fastER

For adjectives of one syllable that end with Consonant-Vowel-Consonant (C-V-C):
You double the last consonant and add ‘ER’
Examples:
wet = wetter
big = bigger
sad = sadder

For adjectives of two syllables that end with a Y
You remove the Y and add ‘IER’
Examples:
pretty – prettIER
happy – happIER
lucky – luckIER

For adjectives with two or more syllables (not ending in Y)
You add MORE before the adjective.
Examples:
famous – MORE famous
interesting – MORE interesting
careful – MORE careful

Adjectives are words that describe the quality or state of being of nouns. Adjectives do not modify verbs, adverbs, or other adjectives. Usually, adjectives are easy to find because they come immediately before the nouns they modify.

Adjectives can do more than just modify nouns. They can also act as a complement to linking verbs or the verb to be. A linking verb is a verb like feel, seem, or taste that describes a state of being or a sensory experience.

We use CAN to show that someone has the ability to do something now.
I can play the piano.
Can you speak English?
They can’t play football very well.

We use COULD to show that someone had the ability to do something in the past.
I could play the piano when I was a child.
Could you speak English when you were a teenager?
They couldn’t play football very well last year.

We use WILL BE ABLE TO to show that someone will have the ability to do something in the future.
I will be able to play the piano when I finish this course.
Will you be able to speak English when you move to the USA?
They won’t be able to play football if they don’t practice.

Some nouns are followed by specific prepositions. For example the noun relationship is always followed by with.

A decrease in supply usually means an increase in price.
Understanding the cause of a disease, makes it easier to find a cure for it.
Pam noticed an improvement in the quality of her students’ work.
Do sunspots have an influence on the Earth’s weather patterns.
Have you had much experience with computers?
I’m sorry. I wasn’t paying close attention to what you said.
The professor gave us several examples of that phenomenon.
Do you know the reason for the delay?
Interest in physical fitness increased in the 50s.
The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is part of the Los Angeles Music Center.
Linguists have many theories about the origin of language.
This is an exception to the rule.
What approach should I take to this problem?
The Ivy League is a group of eight prestigious universities.
People’s reliance on automobiles has increased over the years.
I’ve tried and tried, but I simply can’t find a solution to this dilemma.
The demand for personal computers continues to grow.
Only a native of the United States can serve as President.
Economists don’t agree on what effects government spending has on the economy.
Margaret Knight designed some of the components of the rotary engine.

A definite article comes before a singular noun that is used as a representative of an entire class of things. This is especially common with the names of animals, trees, inventions, musical instruments, and parts of the body.
The tiger is the largest cat.
My favorite tree is the oak.
The Wright Bothers invented the airplane.
The oboe is a woodwind instrument.
The heart pumps blood.

A definite article is used before expressions with an ordinal number.
No article is used before expressions with cardinal numbers.
the first
one
the fourth chapter
Chapter Four
the seventh volume
Volume Seven

A definite article is used before decades and centuries.
the 1930’s
the fifties
the 1800’s
the twenty-first century

Comparative and superlative adjectives are essential tools in English grammar for comparing and expressing degrees of qualities or characteristics. This post will clarify these concepts with clear definitions, examples, and practical applications.

GRAMMAR – Comparatives & Superlatives

Comparative Adjectives

Definition: Comparative adjectives are used to compare two things or people and indicate which has a higher degree of a particular quality.

Formation:

• For most adjectives: add “-er” to the adjective (for short adjectives) or use “more” before the adjective (for longer adjectives).
• For adjectives ending in “y”: change the “y” to “i” and add “-er” (e.g., happy → happier).
• For irregular adjectives: use completely different words (e.g., good → better, bad → worse).

Examples:

1. Short adjective: fast → faster
   • The cheetah is faster than the lion.
2. Long adjective: beautiful → more beautiful
   • Paris is more beautiful than London.
3. Adjective ending in “y”: happy → happier
   • She seems happier today.
4. Irregular adjectives: good → better, bad → worse
   • Her performance was better than expected.
   • The weather today is worse than yesterday.

Superlative Adjectives

Definition: Superlative adjectives are used to compare three or more things or people and indicate which has the highest degree of a particular quality.

Formation:

• For most adjectives: add “-est” to the adjective (for short adjectives) or use “most” before the adjective (for longer adjectives).
• For adjectives ending in “y”: change the “y” to “i” and add “-est” (e.g., happy → happiest).
• For irregular adjectives: use completely different words (e.g., good → best, bad → worst).

Examples:

1. Short adjective: fast → fastest
   • The cheetah is the fastest animal on land.
2. Long adjective: beautiful → most beautiful
   • Venice is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
3. Adjective ending in “y”: happy → happiest
   • She is the happiest person I know.
4. Irregular adjectives: good → best, bad → worst
   • This is the best restaurant in town.
   • That was the worst movie I’ve ever seen.

Key Differences

• Comparative: Used to compare two things or people.
• Superlative: Used to compare three or more things or people.
• Formation: Follow specific rules based on adjective length and irregular forms.

Practical Applications

• Use comparative adjectives to indicate differences between two items.
• Use superlative adjectives to highlight the highest degree of a quality among a group.

Conclusion: Understanding how to use comparative and superlative adjectives effectively allows you to express comparisons clearly and accurately in English. Practice using these forms in sentences to improve your language skills and communicate with precision.