Adjectives : Comparison(2)

1. Formation of the Degrees of Comparison:-

The Comparative and Superlative degrees are formed either by using more and most before the positive, or by adding er and est to the positive.

The general pattern of change may be stated as follows:-

a) Adjectives of one syllable and er and est to the Positive.

Positive Comparative Superlative

Long longer longest

Young younger youngest

Sweet sweeter sweetest

Bold bolder boldest

Kind kinder kindest

Tall taller tallest

b) Adjectives of three or more syllables put more and most before the positive.

Positive Comparative Superlative

Interesting more interesting most interesting

Difficult more difficult most difficult

Beautiful more beautiful most beautiful

Courageous more courageous most courageous

Expensive more expensive most expensive

c) Adjectives of two syllables ending in er, y, or ly usually add er and est.

Positive Comparative Superlative

Clever cleverer cleverest

Pretty prettier prettiest

Lovely lovelier loveliest

d) Adjectives of two syllables ending in ful and re usually take more and most.

Positive Comparative Superlative

Hopeful more hopeful most hopeful

Obscure more obscure most obscure

e) Many other adjectives of two syllables also take more and most.

Positive Comparative Superlative

Honest more honest most honest

Splendid more splendid most splendid