Rules for Forming Comparatives and Superlatives

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 124 views

Introduction

Comparatives and superlatives are forms of adjectives that are used to compare two or more things. They help us express the degree of difference between them. In this article, we will explore the rules for forming comparatives and superlatives, and provide examples to illustrate their usage.

Comparatives

Comparatives are used to compare two things. They are formed by adding the suffix "-er" to the base form of the adjective, or by using the word "more" before the base form.

Examples:

The Tiptop Hotel is smaller than the Sunshine Hotel. (small)
The Sunshine Hotel isn’t far from the beach.

Superlatives

Superlatives are used to compare three or more things. They are formed by adding the suffix "-est" to the base form of the adjective, or by using the word "the most" before the base form.

Examples:

The Tiptop Hotel is the smallest of all the hotels in the city.
The Sunshine Hotel is the closest to the beach.

Rules for Forming Comparatives and Superlatives

Here are the rules for forming comparatives and superlatives:

Comparatives:

Add the suffix "-er" to the base form of the adjective (e.g. small -> smaller)
Use the word "more" before the base form of the adjective (e.g. more small)

Superlatives:

Add the suffix "-est" to the base form of the adjective (e.g. small -> smallest)
Use the word "the most" before the base form of the adjective (e.g. the most small)

Examples of Comparatives and Superlatives

Here are some examples of comparatives and superlatives:

Comparatives:

The Tiptop Hotel is smaller than the Sunshine Hotel.
The Sunshine Hotel is more expensive than the Tiptop Hotel.

Superlatives:

The Tiptop Hotel is the smallest of all the hotels in the city.
The Sunshine Hotel is the most expensive hotel in the city.

Using Comparatives and Superlatives in Sentences

Here are some examples of using comparatives and superlatives in sentences:

Comparatives:

The Tiptop Hotel is smaller than the Sunshine Hotel, but it has a more beautiful view.
The Sunshine Hotel is more expensive than the Tiptop Hotel, but it has a more luxurious room.

Superlatives:

The Tiptop Hotel is the smallest of all the hotels in the city, but it has a more beautiful view.
The Sunshine Hotel is the most expensive hotel in the city, but it has a more luxurious room.

Conclusion

Comparatives and superlatives are important forms of adjectives that help us express the degree of difference between two or more things. By following the rules for forming comparatives and superlatives, we can use them effectively in our sentences to compare and contrast things.

Discussion

What are some examples of comparatives and superlatives in your native language?
How do you use comparatives and superlatives in your everyday language?
Can you think of any situations where using comparatives and superlatives would be helpful?

Examenes Nacionales

Ejercicio 1: Complete the following sentences with the correct form of the adjective in brackets and words from the box.

The Tiptop Hotel is ________________ (small) than the Sunshine Hotel.
The Sunshine Hotel isn’t ___________ (far) from the beach.

Ejercicio 2: Use the following words to form comparatives and superlatives:

big -> ________________ (comparative)
small -> ________________ (superlative)
expensive -> ________________ (comparative)
luxurious -> ________________ (superlative)

Answers

Ejercicio 1:

The Tiptop Hotel is smaller than the Sunshine Hotel.
The Sunshine Hotel isn’t far from the beach.

Ejercicio 2:

big -> bigger
small -> smallest
expensive -> more expensive
luxurious -> most luxurious
SUPERLATIVES AND COMPARATIVES: Q&A =====================================

Introduction

Comparatives and superlatives are forms of adjectives that are used to compare two or more things. They help us express the degree of difference between them. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about comparatives and superlatives.

Q&A

Q: What is the difference between comparatives and superlatives?

A: Comparatives are used to compare two things, while superlatives are used to compare three or more things.

Q: How are comparatives formed?

A: Comparatives are formed by adding the suffix "-er" to the base form of the adjective, or by using the word "more" before the base form.

Q: How are superlatives formed?

A: Superlatives are formed by adding the suffix "-est" to the base form of the adjective, or by using the word "the most" before the base form.

Q: Can I use "more" and "most" interchangeably?

A: No, "more" is used with comparatives, while "most" is used with superlatives.

Q: Can I use "the most" with comparatives?

A: No, "the most" is used with superlatives, not comparatives.

Q: Can I use "the biggest" with comparatives?

A: No, "the biggest" is a superlative form, not a comparative form.

Q: Can I use "more big" with comparatives?

A: No, "more big" is not a correct form of a comparative adjective. Instead, you can use "bigger".

Q: Can I use "the most small" with superlatives?

A: No, "the most small" is not a correct form of a superlative adjective. Instead, you can use "smallest".

Q: Can I use "more expensive" with superlatives?

A: No, "more expensive" is a comparative form, not a superlative form. Instead, you can use "most expensive".

Q: Can I use "the most luxurious" with comparatives?

A: No, "the most luxurious" is a superlative form, not a comparative form.

Q: Can I use "more luxurious" with superlatives?

A: No, "more luxurious" is a comparative form, not a superlative form. Instead, you can use "most luxurious".

Examples