1. COMPARISON OF ADJECTIVES

2. COMPARISON OF ADJECTIVES We form the comparative and superlative of short adjectives (e.g. low) and long adjectives (e.g. expensive) in different ways. COMPARATIVESUPERLATIVE Short word:low: lower(the) lowest Long word:expensive: more expensive(the) most expensive

3. COMPARISON OF ADJECTIVES Short adjectives One-syllable adjectives (e.g. small, nice) usually have the (e)r, (e)stending. Your hi-fi is smaller. Emma needs a biggercomputer. This is the nicestcolour. Long adjectives We also use more, mostwith three-syllable adjectives (e.g. ex-cit-ing) and with longer ones. The film was more exciting than the book. We did themost interesting project. This machine is themost reliable.

4. TWO-SYLLABLE ADJECTIVES Some two-syllable adjectives have er, est,and some have more, most: • Words ending in y usually adder, est: • happy – happier – happiest. • (busy, dirty, easy, funny, happy, lovely, lucky, pretty, tidy...) b) Words ending in er, le, ly add er, est: clever – cleverer – cleverestsilly – sillier - silliest early – earlier – earliest noble –nobler – noblest but eager, proper.... The following words have more, most: a) Words ending in ful or less, e.g. careful, helpful; careless, hopeless b) Words ending iningor ed, e.g.boring, willing; damaged, surprised, freezing... c) Words ending inard, al, ous, some, ent...e.g.awkward, crucial, gorgeous, loathsome, spacious..

5. TWO-SYLLABLE ADJECTIVES Some words have er, est or more, most: narrower - narrowest narrow { more narrow - most narrow Examples are: clever, common, cruel, gentle, narrow, pleasant, polite, quiet, simple, stupid, tired...

6. The comparative and than We often use a phrase with than after a comparative. This restaurant is nicer than the Pizza House. I had a bigger meal than you. The steak is more expensive than the fish. than me/than I am Compare than me and than I am. Both are correct, and they have the same meaning. You're twenty years older thanme. You're twenty years older than Iam. Harriet's husband isn't as tall as her.Her husband isn't as tall asshe is. The superlative We normally use the before a superlative. The quickest way is along this path. The last question is the most difficult. Note the pattern with one of: Michael Jackson is one of the most famous pop singers ever.

7. Spelling of the adjectives using the endings er/est

8. IRREGULAR COMPARISON

9. EXCEPTIONS Short adjectives One-syllable adjectives (e.g. small, nice) usually have the (e)r, (e)stending. Your hi-fi is smaller. Emma needs a biggercomputer. This is the nicestcolour. but: a) I am getting more and more tired. b) I feel more dead than I did yesterday. a) With adjectives that are also past participles, e.g. forced, lost, torn, burnt, drunk, tired,... b) With adjectives that are not gradeable, e.g. true,dead, male, royal, perfect...

10. EXCEPTIONS *Comparison between two persons, items, etc: He is theyounger (of the two brothers) • * the + comparative.... the + comparative (double the + comparative) • the biggerthe better • The more I swimm, the more energetic I feel. * Doubly marked forms He is the bestest friend i have ever had. This way, it's more easierto see.

11. Comparison of equality as... as We use as ... as to say that things are equal or unequal. Our house is as big as yours. NOTIt is so big as yours. In a negative sentence we can also use so ...as, but this is less common than as ... as. This flat isn't as big as/so big as our old one.