3. Comparative Adjectives: Spelling Rules
Adjective Form Comparative Form
Only one syllable ending in “-e”
Wide – Wider
Fine – Finer
Cute – Cuter
Only one syllable with one vowel and one consonant
at the end.
Double the last consonant and add “-er.”
Hot – Hotter
Big – Bigger
Fat – Fatter
Only one syllable with more than one vowel, or more
than a consonant at the end. Add “-er”
Light – Lighter
Fast – Faster
Neat – Neater
Two syllables ending in “y.” Change “y” for “i,” and
add “-er.”
Happy – Happier
Silly – Sillier
Lonely – Lonelier
Two syllables or more, not ending in “y.”
Use “more” before the adjective.
Modern – More Modern
Interesting – More Interesting
Beautiful – More Beautiful
Image by Engin Akyurt from Pixabay
Comparative Adjectives: Spelling Rules
Chart by: Francisneth, O. (2013) Comparative and Superlative Adjectives Chart. The Learning Center Academy.
5. Comparative Adjectives: Sentences
• She needs a larger size.
• You can buy a nicer bag.
• This belt is more modern than that one.
• I need a more comfortable pair of shoes.
• They are buying neater pajamas.