Comparatives and Superlatives: Forms and Usage
This page delves into the formation and use of comparatives and superlatives in English, covering both adjectives and adverbs.
For adjectives, comparatives are typically formed by adding "-er" to short words or using "more" before longer words. Superlatives use "-est" or "the most."
Example: big - bigger - biggest; careful - more careful - the most careful
Irregular forms exist for some common adjectives:
Vocabulary: good - better - the best; bad - worse - the worst; far - farther/further - the farthest/furthest
Adverbs follow similar patterns, with some forming comparatives and superlatives by adding "-er" and "-est," while others use "more" and "the most."
Highlight: Some adjectives can be used as adverbs without changing form, such as "hard," "late," "early," "fast," and "low."
The comparative can be intensified using phrases like "a lot," "far," "a bit," or "slightly." Progressive comparison is expressed using the structure "comparative and comparative."
Example: "harder and harder," "better and better"
The structure "the + comparative, the + comparative" is used to show how one thing changes in relation to another.
Example: "The sooner, the better" (meaning "the sooner something happens, the better it will be")