Comparing adjectives
Adjectives can be used to compare one thing with another
and to show varying degrees. Look at the following sentences.
Julie wastall.
Ben wastaller.
Chris was thetallest.In the first sentence ‘tall’ describes Julie. It is known as the
positivedegree. In the second one, ‘taller’ compares the two
by implication and is known as the comparativedegree.
‘Tallest’, thesuperlativedegree, suggests that in the matter
of height, Chris is superior to the other two.
To form the comparative for most adjectives ‘er’ is added
while the superlative ends in ‘est’.
Positive Comparative Superlative
bright brighter brightest
cold colder coldest
dark darker darkest
fast faster fastest
few fewer fewest
happy happier happiest
hot hotter hottest
nice nicer nicest
pale paler palest
pretty prettier prettiest
quick quicker quickest
sad sadder saddest
short shorter shortest
small smaller smallest
thick thicker thickest
thin thinner thinnest
wide wider widest68 / IMPROVE YOUR PUNCTUATION & GRAMMAR