GRAMMAR
Grammar Rule
Examples
The cat is faster than the mouse, but the cheetah is the fastest.
The dolphin is more intelligent than the dog, but the chimpanzee is the most intelligent.
Remember!
We use comparatives and superlatives to compare things and to say which thing is top in a group. Add ‘-er’ and ‘-est’ for one syllable adjectives. Add ‘-ier’ and ‘-iest’ for two syllable adjectives which end in ‘y’ (and take away the ‘y’). Use ‘more’ and ‘the most’ with other two syllable (or more) adjectives.
one syllable: small – smaller – the smallest
two syllables with ‘y’: happy – happier – the happiest
two+ syllables: beautiful – more beautiful – the most beautiful
Be careful!
The adjectives ‘good’, ‘bad’ and ‘far’ have special forms.
good – better – the best
bad – worse – the worst
far – further – the furthest
We say... We don’t say...
Apples are bigger than grapes. (NOT Apples are more bigger than grapes.)
My father is the tallest in my family. (NOT My father is the most tall in my family.)
This book is more interesting than my homework. (NOT This book is interestinger than my homework.)
Here are some examples:
I think you're taller than me. (tall)
She's the tallest in the group. (tall)
The pizzas in La Bella Napoli are better than the ones in Pietro's. (good)
It was the best pizza I've ever had! (good)
People say Bioshock is a more exciting game than Skyrim. (exciting)
Grand Theft Auto is the most exciting video game. (exciting)
With most one-syllable adjectives, we add –er or –est, and with most adjectives with two syllables or more, we add more or (the) most. In comparatives, we also use than before the second thing which is compared, if it is mentioned.
La Bella Napoli is nearer than Pietro's. (near)
It's not the cheapest restaurant though. (cheap)
With one-syllable adjectives ending in vowel + consonant, remember to double the final consonant before –er/–est.
big → bigger → biggest
If the adjective ends in –e, just add –r or –st.
large → larger → largest
Other exceptions are bad → worse → worst and far → further/farther →furthest/farthest.
They use the worst cheese.
With adjectives ending in y, you change the y to i and add er/ est.
lucky → luckier → luckiest happy → happier → happiest
They've got the friendliest waiters!
With most adjectives with typical adjective endings, and with two or more syllables, you use more/most + adjective.
They do the most disgusting pasta I've ever tasted.
We often use not as … as.
I'm not as tall as you. (= I'm smaller than you)
Maybe the pizza at La Bella Napoli isn't as good as I remember.
