The Comparative and Superlative
The ordinary form of an adjective or adverb is called the positive. Some exam-
ples: tall, rich, interesting, quickly, slowly, magically.
But you will want to use the comparativeof an adjective or adverb to show
a contrast between two people or things. The word thanseparates the two con-
trasting ideas.
The comparative is formed by adding -erto most adjectives or adverbs. If
the adjective ends in -y, change the -yto -i. Then add -er. Let’s look at a few
examples:tall John is taller thanJuanita.
brave The captain acted braver thanany other soldier.
funny I thought this book was funnier thanthat one.For longer words, comparatives are usually formed by adding the word more
before the adjective or adverb, as in the following:intelligent Mike is really more intelligent thanTom.
interesting Your last article was more interesting thanthe one you wrote
in June.
fluently Juan speaks more fluently thanhis father.The superlativeform describes the greatest or least quality of a person or
thing. It is usually formed by adding -estto an adjective or adverb and usually
by placing thein front of it. If the adjective ends in -y, change -yto -i. Then add
-est. Let’s look at some examples:tall My father’s the tallestman in the family.
brave The wounded man fought the bravestof them all.
funny He knows the funnieststories.For longer words, superlatives are usually formed by adding the words the
mostbefore the adjective or adverb, as in the following:intelligent I think my grandfather is the most intelligent.
interesting The most interestingthing about the movie was the music.
fluently She speaks the most fluentlyof anyone I know.68 Writing Better English