Comparisons: Comparative and Superlative Degrees Writing Lab Comparisons: Comparative and Superlative Degrees

What are the degrees? The comparative degree is used in the comparison of two things and is made by adding –er to the word or by using more or less with that word. The superlative degree is used in the comparison of three or more things and is made by adding –est to the word or by using most or least with that word.

What not to do Never combine more with a word that has –er attached to it. For example: “more friendlier.” Never combine most with a word that has –est attached to it. For example: “most friendliest.”

Examples of the comparative degree The tarantula is bigger than the black widow spider. Funnel-web spiders are more aggressive than red- back spiders. The wolf-spider’s bite is riskier than the trap-door spider’s.

Examples of the superlative degree Of all spiders in the world, the Goliath bird-eating spider is the biggest. The Sydney funnel web spider may be the most venomous spider in the world. Spiders are the creepiest insects in the world.

Let’s Practice Answers on the next slide The beetle is the most friendliest insect. The housefly is the busier of all bugs. Fleas are the more annoying of all other bugs.

Answers The beetle is the friendliest insect. The housefly is the busiest of all bugs. Fleas are the most annoying of all other bugs.

That’s all, folks! This lesson is part of the UWF Writing Lab Grammar Mini-Lesson Series Lessons adapted from Real Good Grammar, Too by Mamie Webb Hixon To find out more, visit the Writing Lab’s website where you can take a self-scoring quiz corresponding to this lesson