English For Music Students

(Marvins-Underground-K-12) #1

Comparative and Superlative Form (-er / -est)
 one-syllable adjectives (clean, new, cheap)
 two-syllable adjectives ending in ‘-y’ or ‘-er’
Positive Comparative Superlative
small smaller (the) smallest
easy easier (the) easiest
clever cleverer (the) cleverest


Note: there are some exceptions to this rule about two-syllable adjectives.
For example:


Positive Comparative Superlative
quiet quieter quietest
simple simpler simplest
narrow narrower narrowest

Exceptions in spelling when adding ‘-er / -est’:


 silent ‘e’ is dropped → late - later - latest
 final ‘y’ after a consonant becomes ‘i’ → happy - happier - happiest
 final consonant after short, stressed vowel is doubled → hot - hotter


  • hottest


Comparative and Superlative Form (more / most)
 adjectives of three or more syllables (and two-syllable adjectives not
ending in -y / -er)


Positive Comparative Superlative
difficult more difficult (the) most difficult

Some other adjectives have irregular comparative and superlative forms:


Positive Comparative Superlative
good better best
bad worse worst
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