Comparatives

Comparatives Use –er to compare one syllable adjectives and adverbs as well as two-syllable adjectives ending in -y.

- A horse is bigger than a dog.

- He is shorter than his brother.

- I’m busier today than I was yesterday.

- I can run faster than you can.

- My house is smaller.

It’s the lesser of two evils.

Use “more” or “less” to compare most other adjectives and adverbs.

- She is more helpful than her sister.

- Mr. Gallant is more courageous than his cousin.

- Craig is less practical than Kay.

- Celine sings more beautifully than Barbara.

For better or worse

Use better and worse for comparisons with good or well.

- That’s a good movie, but this one is better.

Actually, I think that one is worse.

Use as . . . as to show similarity

- He’s as quick as his brother.

This chair is not as comfortable as that one.

Superlatives

Use the -est to indicate the superlative of one-syllable adjectives and adverbs as well as two-syllable adjectives ending in -y.

- He’s the fastest man alive.

- That’s the funniest clown I’ve ever seen.

Ben works the hardest of them all.

Use the best or the worst as the superlative of good or well.

- This is the best deal I can offer you.

- That was the best time I’ve ever had.

- It was the worst dinner I’ve ever cooked.

I like this one (the) best.

Use the most + adjective/adverb to indicate the superlative of longer adjectives and adverbs.

- He’s the most wonderful man I’ve met.

- That was the most difficult exam I’ve ever taken.

Chris sings the most beautifully of them all.

For Practice: See : Comparative & Superlative (from The Internet TESL Journal)

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