Comparisons

There are roughly two kinds of comparisons: the 'comparative' and the 'superlative'.

We use the comparative to compare two things:

We use the superlative to compare more than two things:

 

 

One or two syllables: -(e)r and -(e)st

 

comparative

superlative

cheap

cheap-er

(the) cheap-est

narrow

narrow-er

(the) narrow-est

large

large-r

(the) large-st

Note: only a -r and -st

big

big-ger

(the) big-gest

Note: consonant is doubled if required for pronunciation

hot

hot-ter

(the) hot-test


Two syllables ending in -y: -ier and -iest (so: y> i)

 

comparative

superlative

funny

funn-ier

(the) funn-iest

happy

happ-ier

(the) happ-iest


Two, three, or more syllables: more and most

 

comparative

superlative

famous

more famous

(the) most famous

difficult

more difficult

(the) most difficult


There are also some irregular comparatives and superlatives:

 

comparative

superlative

good

better

best

bad

worse

worst

little

less

least

much/many

more

most

far

farther/further

(the) farthest/the furthest


Also important: in the comparative the word "than" is often used to indicate what something is compared to:

 

 

Now you can practice some more with the extra exercises or if you feel that you're prepared do the 'Comparisons Test'.  Show your teacher the results afterwards!