Comparative Adjectives and Adverbs

Use the comparative form when comparing two items, people, places, or ideas. Use the

superlative form when comparing more than two.

For one syllable and some two syllable adjectives, add…the ending -er for the comparative the ending -est for the superlative.

*Generally the is used before the superlative form.

Positive Comparative Superlativeshort shorter shortestpretty prettier prettiestsimple simpler simplestfast faster fastest

For adjectives with three or more syllables (and some two syllable ones) and with most adverbs ending in -ly, add… more in the comparative form most in the superlative form. Note: less and least are used with adjectives of any length (such as bright, less bright, least bright).

Positive Comparative Superlativeintelligent more intelligent most intelligentcarefully more carefully most carefullydangerous less dangerous least dangerous

If you cannot decide whether to use an -er/-est form or more/most, consult a dictionary. If there is an -er/-est form, the dictionary will say so.

Note: Do not use the -er form with more or the -est form with most.

Incorrect   The first poem was more better than the second.

Revised   The first poem was better than the second.

The following are irregular comparative and superlative forms.

Positive Comparative SuperlativeGood better bestbad worse worstmuch/many more mostwell better bestbadly worse worst

Using than with Comparative Forms

To compare two people, places, objects, or ideas, use the comparative form with the word than. If you use a comparative form in your sentence, you need than to let your reader know what you are comparing with what.

•Incorrect This course of action is more efficient.

•Revised This course of action is more efficient than the previous one.

Write a sentence using comparative adjectives or adverbs for each

picture.