Here is a quick overview of the formation and use of superlatives and comparatives in English.
Test your superlative knowledge in English with this exercise:
Superlative adjectives
Explanation: formation of comparative and superlative
Poor, poorer, poorest – Of course there are also forms of improvement in English grammar . In the formation of comparative (first form of increase) and superlative (highest form of increase) a distinction is made between regular and irregular increase.
1) In the regular increase of adjectives in the comparative one -er and in the superlative one -est added. This type of enhancement applies to monosyllabic adjectives and to two-syllabic adjectives ending in –le , -er , -ow, and -y :
| adjective | comparative | superlative |
| simple | simple | the simplest |
| Poor | Poorer | the poorest |
| Happy | happier | the happiest |
2) In the case of two-syllabic adjectives that do not end in – le, -er, -ow, and -y , as well as in polysyllabic adjectives, the adjective remains unchanged in the form of increase and is supplemented in the comparative with more and in the superlative with most :
| adjective | comparative | superlative |
| beautiful | more beautiful | the most beautiful |
| successful | more successful | the most successful |
Abstract: Formation of Comparatives and Superlatives
1) monosyllabic adjectives and two-syllabic adjectives
on -le , -er , -ow, and -y: comparative on -er , superlative
on -est
2) remaining adjectives: Comparative with more , superlative with most
Special features when increasing adjectives
There are also adjectives that are increased irregularly. With irregularly increased adjectives, comparative and superlative are formed from new vocabulary , so it only helps to memorize:
| adjective | comparative | superlative |
| much / many | more | the most |
| Bad | worse | the worst |
| Good | better | the best |
Summary: Special features
Much, many, bad and good are increased irregularly
Compare rates
In comparisons the words as and than are used in English (don’t confuse with then !)
Examples:
He is as tall as Susan.
He is taller than me.
He is the tallest player in the team.
3) For each … the more used in English the ….
Example:
The more Susan works the more
money she will earn.