Comparative and Superlative

When we compare things we use a different form of the adjective: fattest fat fatter

We say that fattest is the superlative form of fat. We say that fatter is the comparative form of fat – we are comparing them. We say that fattest is the superlative form of fat.

Find the comparative and superlative form of: high

highest higher high

Find the comparative and superlative form of: large long warm

large larger largest long longer longest warm warmer warmest

Sometimes, instead, we use an extra word before the adjective: more comfortable most comfortable comfortable

We say that most comfortable is the superlative form of comfortable. We say that more comfortable is the comparative form of comfortable – we are comparing them. We say that most comfortable is the superlative form of comfortable.

What is the comparative form of miserable? Most words of more than one syllable use more and most What is the comparative form of miserable? and the superlative? more miserable most miserable

Find the comparative and superlative form of: unusual intelligent more unusual more intelligent most unusual most intelligent

There are some exceptions: Words ending in –y add –ier and -iest happy happier happiest

sssh sssh Some two-syllable words add –er and –est: clever and quiet add –er and -est sssh sssh sssh quieter quietest quiet or clever cleverer cleverest

A few three syllable words add –ier and –iest: unhappy unhappier unhappiest unlucky unluckier unluckiest

A small group of words can add -er and –est or use more and most: narrow common stupid polite pleasant cruel gentle shallow simple

good bad better worse worst A few words change completely in the comparative and superlative: good bad better worse best worst

Because they are already absolute A few words cannot have a comparative or superlative. Why? Because they are already absolute perfect unique e.g.

Find the comparative and superlative of: Some for you to try: Find the comparative and superlative of: smaller smallest small more popular popular most popular more famous most famous famous spotless spotless spotless better well best crueller/more cruel cruellest/most cruel cruel