Comparatives and Superlatives
We use Comparatives and Superlatives to compare two or more nouns.
The formation of the comparative and superlative depends on the number of syllables in the adjective:
One-syllable Adjectives
To form the comparative, we add -er to the end of the adjective.
To form the superlative, we add -est to the end of the adjective.
Adjective Comparative Superlative
small smaller the smallest
cold colder the coldest
light lighter the lightest
short shorter the shortest
Remember that comparatives are often followed by than.
Mike is taller than John but James is the tallest.
Two-syllable Adjectives ending in -Y
To form the comparative, we remove the -y and add -ier to the end of the adjective.
To form the superlative, we remove the -y and add -iest to the end of the adjective.Adjective Comparative Superlative
crazy crazier the craziest
happy happier the happiest
early earlier the earliest
It was the happiest day of my life.
My joke was funnier than your one.
Adjectives with Two or more Syllables
For Adjectives with 2 syllables (that don't end in -y) and higher (3, 4 syllables etc), we use more for comparatives and the most for superlatives.Adjective Comparative Superlative
handsome more handsome the most handsome
nervous more nervous the most nervous
enthusiastic more enthusiastic the most enthusiastic
My girlfriend is more beautiful than yours.
Alex is more intelligent than you but I am the most intelligent.
Irregular FormsAdjective Comparative Superlative
good better the best
bad worse the worst
far further / farther the furthest / farthest
I am a better tennis player than you but Marcelo is the best.
Steve is a worse liar than me but Adrian
Note: Further / farther, furthest / farthest are all used for distance.
Only Further / furthest are used to mean 'additional' or 'more advanced'.
Puerto Montt is further / farther than Valdivia Santiago
If you require further information, please contact reception.
Remember that the opposites of 'more' and 'most' are 'less' and 'least', respectively.
