This document discusses comparative and superlative forms of adjectives in English. [1] Most adjectives form their comparative using "-er" and superlative using "-est", such as "fat-fatter-fattest". [2] Some adjectives use "more" and "most" instead, like "uncomfortable-more uncomfortable-most uncomfortable". [3] There are exceptions like words ending in "-y" that add "-ier" and "-iest" instead, and a few words that completely change form between comparative and superlative like "good-better-best".

1. Comparative and Superlative
Comparative
and
Superlative
1

2. Comparative and Superlative
When we compare things we use a
different form of the adjective:
fat fatter fattest
2

3. Comparative and Superlative
•We say that fatter is the comparative form of
fat – we are comparing them.
•We say that fattest is the superlative form
of fat.
3

4. Comparative and Superlative
Find the comparative and
superlative form of:
high
4

5. Comparative and Superlative
highest
higher
high
5

6. Comparative and Superlative
Find the comparative and
superlative form of:
large long warm
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7. Comparative and Superlative
large larger largest
long longer longest
warm warmer warmest
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8. Comparative and Superlative
Sometimes, instead, we use an extra
word before the adjective:
more most
comfortable comfortable comfortable
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9. Comparative and Superlative
We say that more comfortable is the
comparative form of comfortable – we are
comparing them.
We say that most comfortable is the
superlative form of comfortable.
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10. Comparative and Superlative
Most words of more than one syllable use more and most
What is the comparative form of miserable?
and the superlative?
more miserable most miserable
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11. Comparative and Superlative
Find the comparative and superlative form of:
unusual intelligent
more unusual more intelligent
most unusual most intelligent
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12. Comparative and Superlative
There are some exceptions:
• Words ending in –y add –ier and -iest
happy happier happiest
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13. Comparative and Superlative
Some two-syllable words add –er and –est:
• clever and quiet add –er and -est
sssh sssh
quieter
sssh
quietest
quiet
or
clever cleverer cleveres
t
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14. Comparative and Superlative
A few three syllable words add –ier and –iest:
unhappy unhappier unhappiest
unlucky unluckier unluckiest
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15. Comparative and Superlative
A small group of words can add
-er and –est or use more and most:
common narrow
stupid
pleasant cruel polite
gentle
shallow simple
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16. Comparative and Superlative
A few words change completely in the
comparative and superlative:
good bad
better worse
best worst
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17. Comparative and Superlative
A few words cannot have a comparative or superlative.
Why?
Because they are already absolute
e.g. unique perfect
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18. Comparative and Superlative
Some for you to try:
Find the comparative and superlative of:
small smaller smallest
popular more popular most popular
famous more famous most famous
spotless spotless spotless
well better best
cruel crueller/more cruellest/most cruel
cruel
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