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An adjective in English is a part of speech that describes or points to the distinguishing feature of
a noun (person, place, or thing) and usually precedes the described word: blue fish, old
donkey, big house, etc.
In English, there are three forms of adjectives, including two forms of comparative adjectives:
positive (the initial form given in the dictionary), comparative and superlative.
Let’s examine more closely how to use the second and third forms.
The comparative form of adjectives is used when two or more things are compared. The
conjunction than is used when making the comparison.
add a suffix to adjectives that have one or two syllables: long-longer, brave-braver, thin-
thinner.
If the adjective ends in –e (called a “silent e”), it is dropped, and the –er suffix is added: simple-
simpler, polite-politer.
If the adjective ends in –y, when forming the comparative, y is replaced by i and the –er suffix is
added: easy-easier, dirty-dirtier, happy-happier.
When the adjective ends with a consonant preceded by a vowel with a short sound, the
consonant is written twice when forming the comparative (if the consonant is already written twice,
do not change it): big-bigger, hot-hotter, thin-thinner, small-smaller, tall-taller.
To form the comparative with words that are more than two syllables, use the English
words more and less: important-more important, dangerous-less dangerous, expensive-more
expensive. This form is used with some two-syllable adjectives as well, such as useful-more
useful. (In English, “usefuller” is incorrect.)
Note that the comparative form of some two-syllable adjectives can either be written with the –
er suffix or by using the words more and less.
This is generally true with adjectives that end in -some, -ow, -ble, -er, -y. For example, the
words noble, narrow, handsome, gentle, friendly, cruel, serious, quiet, polite, common, clever,
angry, pleasant, sour, able, simple.
The superlative form is used when we are speaking about one person or thing that in some way
exceeds all others.
use the words most and least for multi-syllable words: interesting-the most
interesting, difficult-the most difficult, attractive-the least attractive.
Remember, however, that if the adjective ends with -e, -y or a consonant which is preceded by a
vowel, when forming the superlative degree, the same changes occur as in the formation of the
comparative: dirty-dirtiest, brave-bravest, big-biggest.
There are some “rebellious” adjectives that do not obey the general rules of forming comparatives
in the English language. These adjectives simply need to be remembered:
old – elder – the eldest (used when speaking about the eldest member in a family)
It should also be mentioned that complex adjectives use more and most or change the first
element to form the different degrees of comparison: good-looking – better-looking – best-looking.