This document provides rules and guidelines for using adjectives in English. It discusses where adjectives are placed in sentences, comparative and superlative forms, using "one" to avoid repetition, and how to form comparatives and superlatives for different types of adjectives. It also covers using "a bit/little" versus "much/far" with comparative adjectives depending on the size of the difference being described.

1. ADJECTIVES
EF Intermediate +
1B

2. The basics
 Adjectives go before a noun – also in long strings of words linked by and
It’s a poisonous snake – a snake poisonous
 Adjectives don’t take the plural inflection –(e)s
They’re very powerful people – powerfuls people
 Use than for the comparative
I’m older than my brother – that my brother
 Use as… as not as… than
Rome isn’t as expensive as Paris – as expensive than Paris
 Be careful with comparative and superlative – the translation into Spanish is the
same – Rule of thumb: if it goes with an definite article ‘the’, it’s very likely to
be the superlative (not always). Use in not of for places
It’s the most difficult exercise in the Book – the more difficult exercise of the book

3. One/ones
 Use one/ones after a countable adjective to avoid
repetition
I’ve lost my suitcase. It’s a big, blue suitcase.
I’ve lost my suitcase. It’s a big, blue one.
Those are my books, the red ones over there
 Don’t use one/ones with uncountable nouns
I’m looking for full-time work, but I’d be happy with
part-time (not part-time one)

4. More rules for comparatives and superlatives
 One-syllable adjectives ending in –ed always use more and the
most for comparatives and superlatives (bored, pleased, shocked,
stressed, tired …)
I feel more tired today than I did yesterday – not tireder
 Some two syllable adjectives can make comparatives and
superlatives with –er and –est (clever, narrow, polite, quiet,
simple, stupid, handsome….). Use a dictionary when in doubt.
This is the narrowest street in the whole town

5. A bit and much + comparative adjective
 When the difference is small – a bit/little
It’s a bit cloudier today than yesterday
Sam is a little shorter than Dave
 When the difference is large – much/far
Your job is much more stressful than mine
A Ferrari Testarosa is far more expensive than a Kia Pikanto