Form of comparatives and superlatives
Adjectives
To form comparatives and superlatives of most one- and two-syllable adjectives, use the endings -er and -est.
|
POSITIVE |
COMPARATIVE |
SUPERLATIVE |
|
smooth |
smoother |
smoothest |
|
easy |
easier |
easiest |
With longer adjectives, use more and most (or less and least for downward comparisons).
|
POSITIVE |
COMPARATIVE |
SUPERLATIVE |
|
exciting |
more exciting |
most exciting |
|
helpful |
less helpful |
least helpful |
Adverbs
Some one-syllable adverbs take the endings -er and -est, but longer adverbs and all of those ending in -ly form the comparative and superlative with more and most (or less and least).
|
POSITIVE |
COMPARATIVE |
SUPERLATIVE |
|
fast |
faster |
fastest |
|
quickly |
more quickly |
most quickly |
Irregular forms
The comparative and superlative forms of the following adjectives and adverbs are irregular:
|
POSITIVE |
COMPARATIVE |
SUPERLATIVE |
|
good |
better |
best |
|
well |
better |
best |
|
bad |
worse |
worst |
|
badly |
worse |
worst |
Exercises:
Adjectives and adverbs 1
Adjectives and adverbs 2
Adjectives and adverbs 3
Related topics:
Comparatives and superlatives
Double comparatives and superlatives
Absolute concepts