Level: A2
Comparatives and Superlatives
We use comparatives to compare two things, and superlatives to say that one thing is the extreme in a group (the most or the least).
1. Short Adjectives (1 syllable)
Add -er for comparative and -est for superlative.
| Adjective | Comparative (+er) | Superlative (+est) |
|---|---|---|
| Old | Older | The oldest |
| Fast | Faster | The fastest |
| Tall | Taller | The tallest |
| Big | Bigger (double consonant) | The biggest |
| Hot | Hotter | The hottest |
Examples:
- A train is faster than a bus.
- The cheetah is the fastest animal in the world.
2. Adjectives ending in -y (2 syllables)
Change -y to -i and add -er / -est.
| Adjective | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|---|---|
| Happy | Happier | The happiest |
| Easy | Easier | The easiest |
| Busy | Busier | The busiest |
Examples:
- English is easier than Chinese.
- I am the happiest person today.
3. Long Adjectives (2+ syllables)
Use more for comparative and the most for superlative.
| Adjective | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|---|---|
| Expensive | More expensive | The most expensive |
| Beautiful | More beautiful | The most beautiful |
| Interesting | More interesting | The most interesting |
Examples:
- This car is more expensive than that one.
- It is the most beautiful painting in the museum.
4. Irregular Adjectives
These do not follow the rules. You must memorize them!
| Adjective | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|---|---|
| Good | Better | The best |
| Bad | Worse | The worst |
| Far | Further / Farther | The furthest / farthest |
Examples:
- Pizza is better than salad.
- He is the best player on the team.
- The weather today is worse than yesterday.
Comparison Structure
- Comparative: A is [adjective] than B.
- Tom is taller than Jerry.
- Superlative: A is the [adjective] (in/of...).
- Tom is the tallest in the class.
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Comparatives & Superlatives