Modifiers Degrees of Comparison

Modifiers Describes or limits the meaning of another word Three degrees of comparison:  Positive – compares nothing  Comparative – compares two things  Superlative – compares three or more things

Regular Comparisons Most one-syllable modifiers form comparative and superlative by adding –er and –est positivecomparativesuperlative NearNearerNearest Brighter Brightest DryDrierDriest

Regular Comparisons Some two-syllable modifiers add –er and -est Others add more and most PositiveComparativeSuperlative SimpleSimplerSimplest HealthyHealthierHealthiest ClearlyMore clearlyMost clearly OftenMore oftenMost often

Regular Comparisons Modifiers with three or more syllables add more and most PositiveComparativeSuperlative ImportantMore importantMost important CreativeMore creativeMost creative HappilyMore happilyMost happily

Decreasing Comparisons In decreasing comparisons, form comparative and superlative degrees by adding less and least. PositiveComparativeSuperlative SafeLess safeLeast safe ExpensiveLess expensiveLeast expensive OftenLess oftenLeast often

Irregular Comparisons Some modifiers form their degrees irregularly: PositiveComparativeSuperlative FarFartherFarthest GoodBetterBest WellBetterBest ManyMoreMost MuchMoremost

Using Modifiers in Sentences Use comparative degree when comparing two things Example:  The second problem is harder than the first.  My sister dances more gracefully than me.

Using Modifiers in Sentences Use the superlative degree to compare three or more things Examples:  Mount Everest is the world’s highest mountain peak.  She is the most valuable player on our team.

Double Comparisons Only use one method of forming a modifier. Examples:  A 6 th grader is more smaller than an 8 th grader. (WRONG!)  A 6 th grader is smaller than an 8 th grader. (Right!)

Copy this chart and fill in the blanks PositiveComparativeSuperlative Cold Hot Actively Happy Enormous