This document discusses comparative and superlative forms of adjectives in English. It explains that the comparative form is used to compare two things, and is formed by adding "-er" or using "more" with adjectives of more than one syllable. The superlative form compares three or more things and is formed by adding "-est" or using "most". It provides examples of regular and irregular forms, and exceptions to the typical rules for forming comparatives and superlatives.

1. Comparative and Superlative
Comparative
and
Superlative
1

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

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
6
long
warm

7. Comparative and Superlative
large
larger
largest
long
longer
longest
warm
warmer
warmest
7

8. Comparative and Superlative
Sometimes, instead, we use an extra
word before the adjective:
more
comfortable
comfortable
8
most
comfortable

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.
9

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
10
most miserable

11. Comparative and Superlative
Find the comparative and superlative form of:
unusual
intelligent
more unusual
more intelligent
most unusual
most intelligent
11

12. Comparative and Superlative
There are some exceptions:
• Words ending in –y add –ier and -iest
happy
happier
12
happiest

13. Comparative and Superlative
Some two-syllable words add –er and –est:
• clever and quiet add –er and -est
sssh
sssh
quieter
quiet
sssh
quietest
or
clever
cleverer
13
cleveres
t

14. Comparative and Superlative
A few three syllable words add –ier and –iest:
unhappy
unhappier
unhappiest
unlucky
unluckier
unluckiest
14

15. Comparative and Superlative
A small group of words can add
-er and –est or use more and most:
common
stupid
narrow
cruel
gentle
15
polite
shallow
pleasant
simple

16. Comparative and Superlative
A few words change completely in the
comparative and superlative:
good
bad
better
worse
best
worst
16

17. Comparative and Superlative
A few words cannot have a comparative or superlative.
Why?
Because they are already absolute
e.g.
unique
17
perfect

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
cruel
cruellest/most cruel
18