We use Comparatives and Superlatives to compare two or more nouns.
The formation of the comparative and superlative depends on the number of syllables in the adjective:
One-syllable Adjectives
To form the comparative, we add -er to the end of the adjective.
To form the superlative, we add -est to the end of the adjective.
| Adjective | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|
| small | smaller | the smallest |
| cold | colder | the coldest |
| light | lighter | the lightest |
| wide * | wider | the widest |
| hot ** | hotter | the hottest |
* When an adjective ends in the letter E, we just add the -R (for comparatives) or -ST (for superlatives). We do not write two Es together. Wider (correct) not wideer (incorrect).
** When an adjective ends in a consonant + short vowel + consonant (C + V + C), we normally double the last letter. big - bigger - biggest, wet - wetter - wettest
- London is bigger than Santiago.
- Mike is taller than John but James is the tallest.
- Yesterday was the hottest day of the year.
- It is the oldest building in the village.
- I want a faster car.
Notice how comparatives are often followed by than when comparing two things or people.
Two-syllable Adjectives ending in -Y
To form the comparative, we remove the -y and add -ier to the end of the adjective.
To form the superlative, we remove the -y and add -iest to the end of the adjective.
| Adjective | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|
| crazy | crazier | the craziest |
| happy | happier | the happiest |
| early | earlier | the earliest |
- It was the happiest day of my life.
- My joke was funnier than your one.
- This section is easier than the rest.
Adjectives with Two or more Syllables
For Adjectives with 2 syllables (that don't end in -y) and higher (3, 4 syllables etc), we use more for comparatives and the most for superlatives.
| Adjective | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|
| handsome | more handsome | the most handsome |
| nervous | more nervous | the most nervous |
| enthusiastic | more enthusiastic | the most enthusiastic |
- My girlfriend is more beautiful than yours.
- Alex is more intelligent than you but I am the most intelligent.
- It was the most wonderful day I have ever had.
Some exceptions with two-syllable adjectives ending in -er and -est:
narrow - narrower, simple - simpler, quiet - quieter
Irregular Forms
| Adjective | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|
| good | better | the best |
| bad | worse | the worst |
| far *** | further / farther | the furthest / farthest |
| little | less | the least |
| many/much | more | the most |
| old **** | older/elder | the oldest / eldest |
- I am a better tennis player than you but Marcelo is the best.
- Steve is a worse liar than me but Adrian is the worst.
*** Farther - Further
Further / farther, furthest / farthest are all used for distance.
Only Further / furthest are used to mean 'additional' or 'more advanced'.
- Puerto Montt is further / farther than Valdivia is from here (in Santiago).
- If you require further information, please contact reception.
