Comparative and Superlative

Comparative
and Superlative
2004 www.teachit.co.uk

Comparative and Superlative

When we compare things we use a different form of the adjective:

fat

fatter
2

fattest

2004 www.teachit.co.uk

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.

2004 www.teachit.co.uk

Comparative and Superlative

Find the comparative and superlative form of:

high

2004 www.teachit.co.uk

Comparative and Superlative

highest
higher
high

2004 www.teachit.co.uk

Comparative and Superlative

Find the comparative and superlative form of:

large

long

warm

2004 www.teachit.co.uk

Comparative and Superlative

large

larger

largest

long

longer

longest

warm
2004 www.teachit.co.uk

warmer
7

warmest

Comparative and Superlative

Sometimes, instead, we use an extra word before the adjective:

comfortable

more
comfortable

most
comfortable

2004 www.teachit.co.uk

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.

2004 www.teachit.co.uk

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

2004 www.teachit.co.uk

10

Comparative and Superlative

Find the comparative and superlative form of:

unusual

intelligent

more unusual

more intelligent

most unusual

most intelligent

2004 www.teachit.co.uk

11

Comparative and Superlative

There are some exceptions:

Words ending in y add ier and -iest

happy

happier

happiest

2004 www.teachit.co.uk

12

Comparative and Superlative

Some two-syllable words add er and est:

clever and quiet add er and -est

sssh
quiet
clever

sssh
quieter

sssh

quietest

or
cleverer cleverest

2004 www.teachit.co.uk

13

Comparative and Superlative

A few three syllable words add ier and iest:

unhappy

unhappier

unhappiest

unlucky

unluckier

unluckiest

2004 www.teachit.co.uk

14

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

2004 www.teachit.co.uk

15

Comparative and Superlative

A few words change completely in the comparative and superlative:

good
better best
2004 www.teachit.co.uk

bad
worse worst

16

Comparative and Superlative

A few words cannot have a comparative or superlative.

Why?

Because they are already absolute

e.g.

unique

perfect

17

Comparative and Superlative

Some for you to try: Find the comparative and superlative of: small popular famous spotless well smaller more popular smallest most popular most famous

more famous
spotless

spotless
best cruellest/most cruel

better
crueller/more cruel
18

cruel
2004 www.teachit.co.uk