1. DEGREES OF THE COMPARISON FOR THE ADJECTIVE IN ENGLISH Students will learn how to form the different degrees of the comparison of the adjective. These are as follows: 1) Equality comparison 2)Inferiority comparison 3) Superiority comparison 4) The Superlative degree 5) Irregular adjectives when forming their comparison structures.
2. Equality comparison We are to distinguish whether the structure is: a) affirmative: the pattern to follow is: As adjective as b) negative: the pattern recommended is: So adjective as Examples: - Peter is as wise and quiet as Paul - Peter is not so wise and quiet as Paul
3. Inferiority comparison One pattern is applied for this structure: Less adjective than Examples: - My father is less fat than yours. - This t-shirt is less expensive than the red one.
4. Superiority Comparison According to the number of syllables of an adjective, we can apply one of the two structures proposed: A) For one syllable adjectives and twosyllables adjectives ending by -Y, we apply this pattern: Adjective-ER than ex. Peter is taller than Henry ex Paul is happier than John. Note: when there is no a real comparison between two elements, then we leave “then” outside: ex He is a happier man now as he has a job. B) For two syllables adjectives not ending by -y and more than two syllables adjectives , we apply this pattern: ex. That shirt is more expensive than the red one. ex. This Unit is more difficult. (Note taht we have left outside “than) NOTE: The following adjectives can take either of the two patterns proposed above: cruel/stupid/quiet/tired/polite/gentle/hollow/
5. The Superlative degree The Superlative degree for adjectives. We shall follow the same criteria as those seen for the Superiority comparison: A) For short adjectives we apply this pattern: - the adject-EST - She is the nicest girl in the group -She is the nicest of the group - He is the happiest man on earth. B) For long adjectives, we apply this pattern: - The most adjective - It is the most interesting film I have ever seen.