Comparative and Superlative AdjectivesComparative and Superlative Adjectives

By: Jailimar MorenoBy: Jailimar Moreno

Adjectives are words the modify other words. The comparative form of an adjective compares two things. The superlative form of an adjective compares three of more things.

Examples Adjectives

large larger largestThe first apple is large. The second apple is larger than the first.The third apple is the largest of the three.

Rule 1

 

tall taller tallest

neat neater neatest

deep deeper deepest

To form the comparative or superlative of one syllable words with more than one vowel OR ending with more than one consonant at the add -er OR -est.

Rule 2

 

wide wider widest

fine finer finest

cute cuter cutest

To form the comparative or superlative of a one syllable word ending in e add -r OR -st.

Rule 3

 

sad sadder saddest

big bigger biggest

fat fatter fattest

To form the comparative or superlative of a one syllable word with one vowel and one consonant at the end double the consonant, and add -er OR -est.

Rule 4

 

happy happier happiest

jolly jollier jolliest

lazy lazier laziest

To form the comparative or superlative of a two syllable word ending in y, change the y to i, then add -er OR -est.

Rule 5

 

yellow yellower yellowest

gentle gentler gentlest

simple simpler simplest

To form the comparative or superlative of a two syllable word ending a vowel-sound that is not stressed then add -er OR -est. Adjectives ending in –le, -ow, er frequently take –er and –est.

Irregular Adjectives Word Comparative Superlativegood better bestbad worse worstmuch more mostlittle less leastfar farther farthestold older

elderoldesteldest

Example:Nathan made good stew.Jhon's stew was better than

Nathan's.Ana made the best stew of all.

Exercises1. Joe is than Ed. (short)

2. Al is the . (short)

3. Ed is the . (thin)

4. Joe is than Al. (thin)

5. Al has the clothes. (colourful)

6. Al is than Joe. (heavy)

7. Ed is the . (light)

8. Joe is than Ed. (happy)

9. Ed is the . (mysterious)

10. Joe is than Ed . (energetic)

Answers1. Joe is shorter than Ed. (short)

2. Al is the shortest. (short)

3. Ed is the thinnest. (thin)

4. Joe is thinner than Al. (thin)

5. Al has the most colourful clothes. (colourful)

6. Al is heavier than Joe. (heavy)

7. Ed is the lightest. (light)

8. Joe is happier than Ed. (happy)

9. Ed is the most mysterious. (mysterious)

10. Joe is more energetic than Ed. (energetic)