Introduction to Comparatives and Superlatives
OVERVIEW
Comparative modifiers are used to compare two things. Comparative adjectives and adverbs usually end in -er or are used with the word more.
Superlatives are used when comparing three or more things. Superlative adjectives and adverbs usually end in -est or are used with the word most.
WATCH EXAMPLES
The video offers a series of questions that help decide when to use comparatives or superlatives.
Download transcript.
READ EXAMPLES
When forming most comparatives and superlatives, use the -er or -est ending, or use the word more or most.
There are exceptions, however. If you are forming the comparative or superlative of good, bad, well, or badly, use the irregular forms better, best, worse, and worst.
For all other adjectives and adverbs, apply these general rules:
- For most one-
syllable words such as hot and fast, add -er or -est. - For most two-
syllable adjectives that end in -y, such as scary, or –le, such as simple, add -er or -est. - For most adverbs and adjectives of more than one syllable, use more or most.
- The words more and most should not be used together with the -er and -est forms of adjectives and adverbs. For instance, more better is incorrect.
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The study pages provide more examples and guidelines for using comparatives and superlatives.