Comparatives & Superlatives

Two or less-syllable adjectives ending in -y we have -ier and -iest

HealthiestHealthierHealthy

PrettiestPrettierPretty

Superlative form

Comparative form

Rootform

Comparatives & Superlatives (cont'd)

Two or less -syllable adjectives ending in an unstressed vowel normally have –er and –est

BiggestBiggerBig

CheapestCheaperCheap

Superlative form

Comparative form

Rootform

Comparatives & Superlatives (cont’d)

Three or more syllable adjectives have more/less and most/least in front

Most/Least wonderful

More/Less wonderful

Wonderful

Most/Least comfortable

More/Less comfortable

Comfortable

Most/Least successful

More/Less successful

Successful

Superlative form

Comparative form

Rootform

Comparative & Superlatives (cont'd)

adjectives formed with -ing and -ed and those ending in -ious and -ful form we have more/less and most/least

Most/Least beautiful

More/Less beautiful

Beautiful

Most/Least interested

More/Less interested

Interested

Most/Least boring

More/Less boring

Boring

Superlative form

Comparative form

Rootform

Comparatives & Superlatives (cont’d)

Usages: Comparative form + than

Eg. The Kowloon-Canton Clock Tower is taller than The Central Star Ferry Clock Tower.

More/less + comparative form + thanEg. The scenary at The Peak is more beautiful than Repulse Bay’s.

As + root form + asEg. The wax museum is as big as the space museum.

Comparatives & Superlatives (cont’d)

Special: Like – when two things have something

in common one can use this structure instead of as + root form + asEg. I am like a sheep.What I am saying is there are some characteristics I have in common with a sheep. In this case I am saying I am innocent and gentle.