Improve_Your_Punctuation.PDF

If the adjective ends in a single consonant, remember to
double it before adding the ending.

If the adjective ends in ‘y’, remember to change it to an ‘i’
before adding ‘er’ or ‘est’.

The comparative comparestwothings only. Use the

superlative when more than two are involved.

Noting exceptions

Not all adjectives follow the pattern illustrated above. Some
words would be too clumsy to pronounce if ‘er’ or ‘est’ were
added. In this case ‘more’ is added before the positive form
for the comparative and ‘most’ for the superlative.

Positive Comparative Superlative

beautiful more beautiful most beautiful

benevolent more benevolent most benevolent

careful more careful most careful

energetic more energetic most energetic

evil more evil most evil

rapid more rapid most rapid

Sometimes the superlative is used for emphasis rather than
comparison.

It wasmost kind of you to invite me.

He ismost particular about the creases in his trousers.

The child ismost careful when she crosses the road.

With some comparatives and superlatives you have a choice.
You can add ‘er’ and ‘est’or‘more’ and ‘most’. Donotuse
both!

COLOURING YOUR WRITING / 69