Comparatives and superlatives are essential parts of English grammar. They help us compare people, places, and things. In this guide, you will learn the general concept, types, rules, and see clear examples — perfect for beginner and intermediate learners (CEFR levels A1-B1).
What are Comparatives and Superlatives?
- Comparatives show differences between two people, animals, objects, or ideas.
- Example: This book is better than that one.
- Superlatives show the highest or lowest degree of a quality within a group.
- Example: He is the tallest student in the class.
In short:
- Comparative = comparison between two.
- Superlative = comparison among three or more.
How to Form Comparatives
The basic structure for comparatives is:
Adjective + -er + than
(for short adjectives)
or
more + adjective + than
(for long adjectives)
Rules for Forming Comparatives
| Adjective Type | Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| One-syllable adjectives | Add -er | small → smaller |
| One-syllable adjectives ending in -e | Add -r | large → larger |
| One-syllable adjectives ending consonant-vowel-consonant (CVC) | Double the final consonant + -er | big → bigger |
| Two-syllable adjectives ending in -y | Change -y to -ier | happy → happier |
| Adjectives with two or more syllables (except -y ending) | Use more before the adjective | beautiful → more beautiful |
Example Sentences:
- My car is faster than yours. (fast → faster)
- Today is hotter than yesterday. (hot → hotter)
- She is more intelligent than her brother. (intelligent → more intelligent)
How to Form Superlatives
The basic structure for superlatives is:
the + adjective + -est
(for short adjectives)
or
the most + adjective
(for long adjectives)
Rules for Forming Superlatives
| Adjective Type | Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| One-syllable adjectives | Add -est | small → the smallest |
| One-syllable adjectives ending in -e | Add -st | large → the largest |
| One-syllable adjectives ending CVC | Double the final consonant + -est | big → the biggest |
| Two-syllable adjectives ending in -y | Change -y to -iest | happy → the happiest |
| Adjectives with two or more syllables (except -y ending) | Use the most before the adjective | beautiful → the most beautiful |
Example Sentences:
- That was the easiest question on the test. (easy → easiest)
- Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world. (high → highest)
- She is the most talented artist in the competition. (talented → the most talented)
Irregular Comparatives and Superlatives
Some adjectives have irregular forms:
| Adjective | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|---|---|
| good | better | the best |
| bad | worse | the worst |
| far | farther/further | the farthest/the furthest |
Example Sentences:
- This pizza is better than that one. (good → better)
- Today is the worst day of the year. (bad → worst)
Key Tips for Using Comparatives and Superlatives
- Always use “than” after a comparative.
- He is taller than his brother.
- Always use “the” before a superlative.
- She is the fastest runner.
- For adjectives ending in -y, remember to change it to -ier/-iest.
Activity
Complete the sentences with the correct form of the adjective (comparative or superlative).
- This hotel is __________ (comfortable) than the last one.
- She is the __________ (good) player on the team.
- Today is __________ (hot) than yesterday.
- That was the __________ (bad) movie I have ever seen!
- My cat is __________ (lazy) than my dog.
Answer key:
- more comfortable
- best
- hotter
- worst
- lazier
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