Watch this video and get more clarity on this topic. The video is a sample from one of the Live-English Club sessions.
What are Comparatives and Superlatives?
Comparative and superlatives are different forms of adjectives and adverbs.
What do we use Comparatives and Superlatives for?
They are often used to compare different things in terms of size, speed, weight, height, etc.
Comparatives are used to compare TWO things or people
Superlatives are used to compare one thing/person against a group of similar things/people
How are Comparatives and Superlatives formed in English?
The rules to form the comparative and superlative forms are the same, and it all depends on the length of the adjective.
| Type of Adjective | Example | Comparative | Superlative |
| 1 syllable | Hard | +er – harder | +est – hardest |
| 2 syllables and ends in Y | Pretty | +ier – prettier | +iest – prettiest |
| 2 syllables and do not end in Y | Simple | A lot of adjectives in this group can take both the +er/+est and more/most form. For example, both simpler and more simple are correct. However, if in doubt always go for the +more and +most option. | |
| +2 syllables | Comfortable | +more – more comfortable | +most – most comfortable |
Are there any exceptions?
Yes, but not many! There are a couple of irregular adjectives.
| Adjective | Comparative | Superlative |
| good | better | best |
| bad | worse | worst |
| little | less | least |
| much | more | most |
| far | further / farther | furthest / farthest |
Exercises about the Comparatives and Superlatives
Exercise 1: Write the correct comparative form
Exercise 2: Write the correct superlative form
Exercise 3: Match the sections