Comparative & Superlative: explanation and uses

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 :

adjectivecomparativesuperlative
simplesimplethe simplest
PoorPoorerthe poorest
Happyhappierthe 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 :

adjectivecomparativesuperlative
beautifulmore beautifulthe most beautiful
successfulmore successfulthe 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:

adjectivecomparativesuperlative
much / manymorethe most
Badworsethe worst
Goodbetterthe 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.