Comparatives are words or expressions used to change the intensity of adjectives. (see down page for superlatives)
Maybe the food we are eating needs to hotter.
Perhaps the doctor will tell me that I am heavier than before.
It is expected that tomorrow will be a better day for climbing as the it will be clearer.
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There are different rules on constructing comparatives.
Single syllable adjectives
We add ‘er’ to one syllable adjectives:
Today is colder than yesterday.
Your hair is shorter than the last time.
If you were blonder, you would look like Jimmy Jim James the artist.
If the adjective ends in a vowel and a consonant, we need to double the consonant:
There is no doubt that my car has a bigger problem than yours.
The taller woman by the door wants to buy a new phone.
She is one of the fitter players in our squad.
Adjectives ending ‘y’, we change to ‘ier’:
The heavier responsibility comes with dealing with real money in real situations.
At school I always acted sillier than my brother and was always in trouble.
If they climb at night, it will be trickier.
We use more for other 2 syllable adjectives:
Houses are generally more spacious than flats.
It is often said that older people are more thoughtful because they have experienced more.
Sundays for some reason, are more peaceful than other days of the week.
Superlatives are used to describe a maximum quality:
single syllable adjectives we normally add ‘est’
The coldest day this week was Sunday
The living room is the brightest room in the house.
That certainly was the briefest visit ever!
If the adjective often ends in a vowel and a consonant, we need to double the consonant
That is the smallest insect I have ever seen!
I have discovered the biggest opportunity to get rich ever!
The saddest day of the week is Monday.
Adjectives ending ‘y’, we change to ‘ier’:
You are without doubt the craziest person I know.
My aunty is the nosiest member of the family.
The slime they sell in that joke shop is the slimiest I have ever had.
Irregular comparatives and superlatives:
good – better – best
bad – worse – worst
much – more – most
Are there any other rules that you can think of?
Using comparisons and superlatives, what is your opinion on the following?
- pizza
- ice cream
- places to visit
- films and TV
- music
