ADJECTIVES

Comparison of adjectives

There are three degrees of comparison: positive, comparative and superlative.

The positive degree shows similarityHe is as strong as a horse.

When we wish to show inequality, we sayHe is not as old as his brother.

The comparative degree shows inequalityWe use –er for shorter words

Long – longerold - olderWe use more for longer words

Popular – more popular beautiful - more beautiful

Spelling rules:1. Double the last consonant in one-syllable

words with a short vowel Big – bigger hot -

hotter2. Change –y into I at the end of the word if it is

preceded by a consonantHappy – happier easy - easiest

The superlative degree is the highest degree of comparison.

We use –est for shorter wordsthe oldest the tallest

We use the most for longer wordsThe most interesting the most

beautifulFollows the same spelling rules as in

comparative, sothe biggest the hottestthe happiest the easiest

Irregular comparisonsGood Better The bestBad Worse The worstLittle Less The leastMuch/many

More The most

Far Farther/further

The farthest/ furthest

Old Elder/older The eldest/ oldestLate Later The latest/lastNear Nearer The nearest/next

Examples:

He is tall. His brother is taller.

Their sister is the tallest in their family.

She is popular.Her friend is more popular.

Her sister is the most popular girt at school.

Compare your friends (popular, interesting, happy, funny, short, tall, strong, weak, smart, beautiful …)

Compare your family members (old, young, elegant, stubborn, outgoing, ambitious…)