We use comparatives and superlatives to make comparisons. Comparatives are for comparing two things and are typically used with ‘as…as’ or ‘than.’ Superlatives are for comparing three or more things and are usually preceded by ‘the.’
Comparative: Barbara is much more intelligent than her son, George.
Superlative: George is the least intelligent person in the family.
Regular Forms
Short words, those with only one syllable or two syllables but ends in –y or –ly, almost always use –er (comparatives) and –est (superlatives).
| Adjective | Comparative (2 things) | Superlative (3 or more) |
| fat | fatter | fattest |
| happy | happier | happiest |
| tall | taller | tallest |
Longer words use ‘more’ (comparative) and ‘most’ or ‘least’ (superlative).
| Adjective | Comparative (2 things) | Superlative (3 or more) |
| handsome | more handsome | most handsome |
| beautiful | more beautiful | most beautiful |
| intelligent | taller | most intelligent |
ESL Note: Many non-native speakers use ‘more’ and –er together, or ‘most’ and –est. Make sure you use only one at a time!
Irregular Forms
There are a few irregular comparative and superlative forms that students will need to learn. Below are the common irregular forms:
| Comparative (2 things) | Superlative (3 or more) | |
| good/ well | better | best |
| bad/ badly | worse | worst |
| many/ much | more | most |
| little | less | least |