English For Music Students

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