Comparative and Superlative Adjectives

Comparatives (Comparing Two Things)

We use comparative adjectives to compare differences between exactly two objects. They are usually followed by the word "than".

1. One-Syllable Adjectives: Add -er.

• tall ➔ taller (John is taller than Mike.)
• fast ➔ faster (My car is faster than yours.)

2. Two-Syllable Adjectives Ending in -y: Change 'y' to 'i' and add -er.

• happy ➔ happier (She is happier than before.)
• busy ➔ busier (I am busier than him.)

3. Three or More Syllables: Use more before the adjective.

• expensive ➔ more expensive (Gold is more expensive than silver.)
• beautiful ➔ more beautiful

Superlatives (Comparing Three or More Things)

We use superlative adjectives to describe an object that is at the upper or lower limit of a quality (the tallest, the smallest, the fastest). They are always preceded by the word "the".

1. One-Syllable Adjectives: Add -est.

• tall ➔ the tallest (John is the tallest boy in the class.)

2. Two-Syllable Adjectives Ending in -y: Change 'y' to 'i' and add -est.

• happy ➔ the happiest (This is the happiest day of my life.)

3. Three or More Syllables: Use the most before the adjective.

• expensive ➔ the most expensive (That is the most expensive car in the world.)

Irregular Adjectives

These adjectives do not follow the rules and must be memorized.