Form and use comparative and superlative adjectives
Key Notes:
You can use adjectives to compare people, places, or things.
Comparative adjectives compare a thing or group to some other thing or group. They usually end in -er.
Superlative adjectives compare a thing or group of things to the larger group that it is part of. They usually end in -est. For most one-syllable adjectives, and for two-syllable adjectives that end in -y, the comparative adjective ends in -er. The superlative adjective ends in -est.
| Base | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|---|---|
| tall | taller | tallest |
For most adjectives with more than one syllable, add more to make comparative adjectives. Add most to make superlative adjectives.
| Base | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|---|---|
| intelligent | more intelligent | most intelligent |
Learn with an example
- ) Complete the sentence with the correct comparative or superlative adjective.
- The chocolate cake that Gracie bought at the bake sale was_____( moist) than the brownie.
First, decide if you should use a comparative or superlative adjective. The sentence compares two things: the chocolate cake and the brownie. So, you should use a comparative adjective.
Now, form the correct comparative adjective. Take moist and add -er. The comparative adjective is moister.
2. ) Complete the sentence with the correct comparative or superlative adjective.
- According to the news report I saw yesterday, last summer was the _____(coolest) summer on record.
First, decide if you should use a comparative or superlative adjective. The sentence compares last summer and all summers on record. A thing is compared to a larger group it is part of. So, you should use a superlative adjective.
Now, form the correct superlative adjective. Take cool and add -est. The superlative adjective is coolest.
3. ) Complete the sentence with the correct comparative or superlative adjective.
- Of all the contestants on the game show, the gentleman from Sunderland had the -_____(broad) knowledge of international affairs.
First, decide if you should use a comparative or superlative adjective. The sentence compares the gentleman from Sunderland and all the contestants. A person is compared to a larger group the person is part of. So, you should use a superlative adjective.
Now, form the correct superlative adjective. Take broad and add -est. The superlative adjective is the broadest.
let’s practice!
