How do we compare things in English? We use special adjective forms called comparatives and superlatives to say something is bigger, faster, or the absolute best! Learning these forms will make your descriptions much more precise and interesting. 🏆
Function & Usage
We change adjectives to show comparison. The form we use depends on how many things we are comparing.
- Comparatives (more / -er): Use these to compare two things. We often use the word “than” with them.
Example: An elephant is bigger than a mouse. This book is more interesting than the movie. - Superlatives (most / -est): Use these to compare three or more things to find the one at the top level. We almost always use “the” before them.
Example: Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world. She is the most intelligent student in the class.
The Structure (Form)
The rules depend on the length of the adjective.
| Adjective Type | Comparative (for 2) | Superlative (for 3+) |
|---|---|---|
| Short (1 syllable, e.g., fast) | faster | the fastest |
| Long (2+ syllables, e.g., beautiful) | more beautiful | the most beautiful |
| Irregular (e.g., good, bad) | better / worse | the best / the worst |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using “more” with “-er”: Don’t combine the two forms. Incorrect: “This is more bigger.” Correct: “This is bigger.”
- Forgetting “the” with superlatives: Superlatives almost always need “the”. Incorrect: “He is smartest boy.” Correct: “He is the smartest boy.”
Let’s see it in action! 🎬
Person A: Which phone do you like? The blue one or the black one?
Person B: The black one is nicer, but it’s also more expensive than the blue one.
Friend 1: Wow, that’s a huge pizza!
Friend 2: It’s the biggest pizza on the menu. I think it’s the best in the city!
Student A: Who is the oldest student in our class?
Student B: I think Maria is. But Jin is taller than everyone.
Check Your Understanding! ✅
1. My brother is than me. (tall)
2. This is the movie I have ever seen. (good)
3. A plane is than a train. (fast)
4. The weather today is than yesterday. (bad)
5. She is the intelligent person in our group.
6. The blue whale is the ___ animal in the world.
7. This exercise is ___ than the last one.
8. I think summer is ___ than winter.
9. Who is the ___ person you know?
10. My new phone is ___ my old one.
