Comparative and Superlative

Introduction

Adjectives and adverbs can be used to make comparisons. They are used to show what is different or similar about two or more things. There are three kinds of possible comparisons: equal, comparative and superlative.

Learning Hint:

Forming the comparative and superlative forms usually depends on the number of syllables in the adjective. Learn the rules for each type of adjective and adverb. Do not combine the two ways of forming comparisons in a single sentence.
 

Equal Comparison

An adjective or adverb is used to show that two things share a quality in the same amount. A quality shared in the same amount means that the two things are equal is some way. The form used to make this kind of comparison is as adjective / adverb as. The as as comparison is better known as a correlative conjunction.

Comparative

To show a difference or to show that there is only a similarity between two things, the comparative form must be used. An adjective or adverb is made into the comparative form in one of two ways. The way that is used depends on the number of syllables the adjective or adverb have:
 

• Most one-syllable adjectives and adverbs take the ending -er.
• Two-syllable adjectives ending in y form the comparative by taking the ending -er.
• Other two-syllable adjectives use more + regular form to make the comparative.
• Most adverbs of two or more syllables must use more + regular form to make the comparative.
• All three or more syllable adjectives must use more + regular form to make the comparative.

Adjectives:

Adverbs:

Note: Never mix the two ways to form the comparative.

Incorrect:           She gets lots of benefits because she's been here more longer.

Correct:             She gets lots of benefits because she's been here longer.

Incorrect:           He works more quicklier than us.

Correct:             He works more quickly than us.

Superlative

If the comparison is between three or more things then the superlative form must be used. An adjective or adverb is made into the superlative form in one of two ways. The way that is used depends on the number of syllables contained in the adjective or adverb:

• Most one-syllable adjectives and adverbs take the ending -est.
• Two-syllable adjectives ending in y form the superlative by taking the ending -est.
• Other two-syllable adjectives use most + regular form to make the superlative.
• Most adverbs of two or more syllables must use most + regular form to make the superlative.
• All three or more syllable adjectives must use most + regular form to make the superlative.

Adjectives:

Adverbs:

The word the is always used before the superlative form in a sentence.

Note: Never mix the two ways to form the superlative.

Incorrect:           He was the most wisest man I ever knew.

Correct:             He was the wisest man I ever knew.

Incorrect:           She types the most fastest out of all the secretaries.

Correct:             She types the fastest out of all the secretaries.

Irregular Adjectives and Adverbs

There are some irregular adjectives and adverbs. They do not make the comparative or superlative the same way that other ones do. They do not use either -er / -est or more / most. Their comparative and superlative forms have to be remembered:

Words with No Comparative and Superlative Forms

Not ALL adjectives and adverbs can have a comparative or superlative form.

No type of comparison is possible with certain adjectives and adverbs. They cannot show a greater or lesser amount, so they can only have one form. Some of these words are perfect, unique, dead, impossible, and infinite.

Parallel Structure Required

The comparisons must make sense. You cannot compare things that are very different. They must be similar. Apples and oranges are both fruits, but they are still two different kinds of fruit. So, an apple cannot be compared to an orange.