In English grammar, adjectives and adverbs take on comparative and superlative forms to express degrees of comparison. The comparative form is used to compare two things, while the superlative form is used to compare three or more things, indicating the highest degree of a particular quality.
Adjectives
The formation of comparative and superlative adjectives depends on the number of syllables in the adjective.
One-Syllable Adjectives
For most one-syllable adjectives, "-er" is added to form the comparative and "-est" for the superlative.
| Adjective | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|---|---|
| cold | colder | coldest |
| tall | taller | tallest |
| fast | faster | fastest |
If the adjective ends in a single vowel followed by a consonant, the consonant is doubled before adding the ending.
| Adjective | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|---|---|
| big | bigger | biggest |
| hot | hotter | hottest |
| thin | thinner | thinnest |
Two-Syllable Adjectives
For two-syllable adjectives, the formation can vary. For many two-syllable adjectives, "more" is used for the comparative and "most" for the superlative.
| Adjective | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|---|---|
| peaceful | more peaceful | most peaceful |
| careful | more careful | most careful |
For two-syllable adjectives ending in "-y," the "y" is changed to an "i" before adding "-er" or "-est."
| Adjective | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|---|---|
| happy | happier | happiest |
| busy | busier | busiest |
Some two-syllable adjectives can take either form, though one is often more common.
| Adjective | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|---|---|
| simple | simpler/more simple | simplest/most simple |
| clever | cleverer/more clever | cleverest/most clever |
Adjectives with Three or More Syllables
For adjectives with three or more syllables, "more" is used for the comparative and "most" for the superlative.
| Adjective | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|---|---|
| important | more important | most important |
| beautiful | more beautiful | most beautiful |
Adverbs
Similar to adjectives, the formation of comparative and superlative adverbs is based on their structure.
Adverbs Ending in "-ly"
For adverbs that end in "-ly" (which are often formed from adjectives), "more" is used for the comparative and "most" for the superlative.
| Adverb | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|---|---|
| slowly | more slowly | most slowly |
| quietly | more quietly | most quietly |
Short Adverbs
For short adverbs that do not end in "-ly," "-er" is added for the comparative and "-est" for the superlative.
| Adverb | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|---|---|
| fast | faster | fastest |
| hard | harder | hardest |
| early | earlier | earliest |
Irregular Adjectives and Adverbs
Some adjectives and adverbs have irregular comparative and superlative forms that must be memorized.
| Adjective/Adverb | Comparative | Superlative |
| good (adjective) / well (adverb) | better | best |
| bad (adjective) / badly (adverb) | worse | worst |
| far | farther/further | farthest/furthest |
| little | less | least |
| much/many | more | most |
Understanding these rules and exceptions is key to correctly using comparative and superlative forms in English.
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