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!