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Learn about the 3 forms of comparison in English, using comparative and superlative adjectives to express differences and similarities. Understand the rules for different types of adjectives and irregular forms. Improve your English language skills with detailed explanations.
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Comparison of adjectives Grammar Notes PreparatoreLinguistico:Barbara Meloni
Comparison of adjectives To compare in English means: to make a confrontation, to examine differences or similarities between 2 or more people, things,topics, etc. We use comparative adjectives + than to compare 2 people / things. Mosquitoes are more dangerous than sharks.
Comparison of adjectivesThere are 3 different forms of comparison in English. Comparison with –er /-est Eg.: clean - cleaner - (the) cleanest We use -er/-est with the following adjectives: Adjectives with one syllable: Clean cleaner cleanest new newer newest cheap cheaper cheapest adjectives with two syllables and the following endings: Adjectives with two syllables, ending in –y: Dirty dirtier dirtiest easy easier easiest happy happier happiest pretty prettier prettiest Adjectives with two syllables, ending in –er: Clever cleverer cleverest Adjectives with two syllables, ending in –le: Simple simpler simplest Adjectives with two syllables, ending in –ow: Narrow narrower narrowest
Comparison of adjectives We use the + superlative adjective to say which is the (biggest) in a group. It’s the hottest country in the world. Spelling of the adjectives using the endings -er/-est: Large larger largest : leave out the silent –e Big bigger biggest : Double the consonant after short vowel Dirty dirtier dirtiest : Change -y to -i (consonant before -y) shy shyer shyest Here -y is not changed to -i. (although consonant before -y)
Comparison of adjectives Comparison with more – most difficult - more difficult - (the) most difficult all adjectives with more than one syllable (with few exceptions)
Comparison of adjectives Irregular adjectives: Good better best / bad worse worst / much more most little less least Special adjectives: Some adjectives have two possible forms of comparison: Common commoner / more common commonest / most common pleasant pleasanter / more pleasant pleasantest / most pleasant / polite politer / more polite politest / most polite /simple simpler / more simple simplest / most simple / stupid stupider / more stupid stupidest
Comparison of adjectives To sum up, there are 3 so-called degrees of comparison in English. 1. Positive: This fruit is as sweet as that one (= the same) 2. Comparative: This fruit is sweeter than that one (= it is more sweet). 3. Superlative: This fruit is the sweetest of all.(= it is the most sweet). Finally, we use less+ adjective+ than (COMPARATIVE OFINFERIORITY) to express the idea that a thing or a person shows a lower degree of quality: Football is less interesting than tennis.