Comparatives and superlatives

COMPARATIVE AND SUPERLATIVE ADJECTIVES

Introduction

Comparative

Superlative

Video

Quiz

© Celia Maeda

1. Introduction

This material aims at helping you understand and practice the use of comparative and superlative adjectives. You can start by exploring an explanation about the comparatives and superlatives. If you still have doubts, you can watch a video for more explanation and examples. It's also possible to check your Student's Book, page 170 and 171 for practice. Finally, you can take the quiz. Hope it helps!

© Celia Maeda

2. Comparatives

We use a comparative adjective + than to compare one thing with another. She is two years older than me. New York is bigger than Boston. A cheetah is more dangerous than a turtle.

• With short adjectives (1 syllable), we add -ER. For example: old-older, slow-slower, small-smaller.
• With long adjectives (2 or more syllables), we put more before the adjective. For example, dangerous-more dangerous, beautiful-more beautiful.
• With two-syllable adjectives ending in -Y, we change the -Y to -IER. For example: easy-easier, heavy-heavier.

Spelling rules

• With short adjectives ending in -E, we add -R. For example: safe-safer, nice-nicer
• With short adjectives ending in consonant-vowel-consonant, we double the last consonant and add -ER. For example: big-bigger, hot-hotter.

Irregular comparative adjectives good-better bad-worse far-farther/further

© Celia Maeda

3. Superlatives

We use a superlative adjective to compare one thing to all the other things in a group. We often put the before a superlative adjective.Everest is the highest mountain in the world. It was the happiest day of my life. The tiger is the most dangerous animal of all.

• With short adjectives (1 syllable), we add -EST. For example: old-the oldest, slow-the slowest, small-the smallest.
• With long adjectives (2 or more syllables), we put most before the adjective. For example, dangerous-the most dangerous, beautiful-the most beautiful.
• With two-syllable adjectives ending in -Y, we change the -Y to -IEST. For example: easy-the easiest, heavy-the heaviest.

Spelling rules

• With short adjectives ending in -E, we add -ST. For example: safe-the safest, nice-the nicest.
• With short adjectives ending in consonant-vowel-consonant, we double the last consonant and add -EST. For example: big-the biggest, hot-the hottest.

Irregular superlative adjectives good-the best bad-the worst far-the farthest/the furthest

© Celia Maeda

4. Video

If you still have some doubts about the comparatives and superlatives, check out this video...

© Celia Maeda

5. Quiz

Take this quiz to check your knowledge on comparatives and superlatives!

© Celia Maeda