Comparatives and Superlatives (Adjectives)

Form

Adjective-er / more + Adjective + than
(To compare two things directly)

He is taller than his brother.

This book is more interesting than that one.


Meanings

The number of syllables in the adjective is key.

  • 1 Syllable: Add -er / -est.
    old → older → oldest
  • 2 Syllables ending in -y: Change -y to -i and add -er / -est.
    happy → happier → happiest
  • 2+ Syllables (not ending in -y): Use more / most.
    modern → more modern → the most modern

Spelling Rules:

  • Ends in -e → add -r / -st (large → larger)
  • Ends in CVC → double final consonant (big → bigger)

Practice exercises