Comparatives and Superlatives
Comparatives and Superlatives
Comparatives and Superlatives are forms of adjectives and adverbs used to compare differences between objects, people, or actions. Comparatives are used to compare two things, while superlatives are used to compare one thing to a group.
Comparatives
Comparatives are used to compare two things. They are formed in the following ways:
Rules
1. For one-syllable adjectives:
* Add -er to the end of the adjective. * Example: "fast" → "faster", "tall" → "taller".
2. For two-syllable adjectives ending in -y:
* Change -y to -i and add -er. * Example: "happy" → "happier", "busy" → "busier".
3. For adjectives with two or more syllables:
* Use more before the adjective. * Example: "beautiful" → "more beautiful", "interesting" → "more interesting".
Examples
- "This car is faster than that one."
- "She is happier today than yesterday."
- "This book is more interesting than the last one I read."
Superlatives
Superlatives are used to compare one' thing to a group. They are formed in the following ways:
Rules
1. For one-syllable adjectives:
* Add -est to the end of the adjective. * Example: "fast" → "fastest", "tall" → "tallest".
2. For two-syllable adjectives ending in -y:
* Change -y to -i and add -est. * Example: "happy" → "happiest", "busy" → "busiest".
3. For adjectives with two or more syllables:
* Use the most before the adjective. * Example: "beautiful" → "the most beautiful", "interesting" → "the most interesting".
Examples
- "This is the fastest car in the world."
- "She is the happiest person I know."
- "This is the most interesting book I have ever read."
Irregular Forms
Some adjectives have irregular comparative and superlative forms:
Examples
- "good" → "better" (comparative) → "the best" (superlative)
- "bad" → "worse" (comparative) → "the worst" (superlative)
- "far" → "farther/further" (comparative) → "the farthest/furthest" (superlative)
Practice
Try to complete the following sentences using the correct comparative or superlative form: 1. This mountain is ___ (high) than that one. 2. She is the ___ (intelligent) student in the class. 3. This is the ___ (good) movie I have ever seen. 4. My brother is ___ (old) than me.
Answers
1. higher 2. most intelligent 3. best 4. older