We use the comparative and superlative form to compare and contrast different objects in English. Use the comparative form to show the difference between two objects.
Use the superlative form when speaking about three or more objects to show which object is 'the most' of something.
Notice in the example sentences that we use 'than' to compare the two objects add '-er ' to end of the adjective (Note: double the final consonant if preceded by a vowel) remove the 'y' from the adjective and add 'ier‘.
Example Sentences:
• London is more expensive than Madrid. • This test is more difficult than the last test.
One Syllable Adjectives: Place 'the' before the adjective and add '-est' to end of the adjective (Note: double the final consonant if preceded by a vowel).
Example Sentences:
• Today is the hottest day of the summer. • This book is the cheapest I can find.
Example Sentences:
• London is the most expensive city in England. • That is the most beautiful painting here.
Two Syllable Adjectives Ending in '-y‘:
Place 'the' before the adjective and remove the 'y' from the adjective and add ‘iest’.
Example Sentences:
• New York is the noisiest city in the USA. • He is the most important person I know.
IMPORTANT EXCEPTIONS:
There are some important exceptions to these rules. Here are two of the most important exceptions:
good
Example Sentences• good - adjectiveThis book is good.• better – comparativeThis book is better than that one.• the best – superlativeThis is the best school in the city