Adjectives have Comparison Edit

Adjectives have comparison rules that show different degrees of quality in English sentence structure, syntax, and grammar rules. Discover positive, comparative, and superlative forms with clear examples.

Jump to: PositiveComparativeSuperlativeComparison TableFarther vs FurtherNot ComparedQuick PracticeAll Lessons

Adjectives have Comparison

1. Positive degree

The positive degree denotes quality; no comparison is needed.

Your suggestion is good.

Comparative Degree

2. Comparative degree

The comparative degree denotes quality in the greater or lesser degree. It is used when two are being compared.

  • A. The comparative degree of almost all one-syllable adjectives is formed by adding er to the positive degree, or to the simple form of the adjective.
  • B. If the adjective ends in y, change y to i before adding er. Some adjectives change in the form of the word. In others, you may need to prefix such comparative words as more and less.

My wife was more emotional than her mother.

How to Use Superlative Degrees and Exceptions

3. Superlative degree

The superlative denotes quality in the greatest or least degree. It is used when more than two are being compared.

  • A. Adjectives of one or two syllables form the comparative degree by adding er to the positive, and the superlative by adding est.
  • B. Adjectives of three or more syllables form the comparative by using more or less and the superlative by using most or least.
  • C. Some adjectives are compared irregularly.

Fidie has the sharpest mind in class.

Pro Tip: Pay close attention to syllable counts and irregular forms when determining whether to add suffixes like -er/-est or use helper words like more/most.

Degrees of Comparison

PositiveComparativeSuperlative
badworseworst
bigbiggerbiggest
comfortablemore comfortablemost comfortable
difficultmore difficultmost difficult
famousless famousleast famous
fatfatterfattest
finefinerfinest
goodbetterbest
latelaterlatest
littlelessleast
manymoremost
outouteroutermost
widewiderwidest

What Is the Difference Between Farther and Further?

Farther refers to distance or remoteness in space.

Further refers to remoteness in time, to degree, extent, or quantity. Further is also used to express the idea of something more or additional.

PositiveComparativeSuperlative
farfurtherfurthest
farfartherfarthest

Adjectives That Are Not Compared

perfectuniquesquareuniversal
singlesupremefatalempty
verticalfullalonedead
finalmortalrounddeadly
straightblindeverlastingwrong
almighty   

Key Takeaways

  • The positive degree denotes quality without any comparison.
  • The comparative degree is used when comparing two items or persons.
  • The superlative degree is used when comparing more than two items or persons.
  • Certain adjectives like perfect, unique, and dead are not compared.

Quick Practice

Write your answers in the comments below:

1. What is the comparative form of the adjective “good”?

Show answer

better

2. Can the adjective “unique” have a comparative or superlative form? Why or why not?

Show answer

No. “Unique” already means one of a kind, so it cannot be more or less unique. It is one of the adjectives that are not compared.

FAQ

What is the positive degree of comparison?

The positive degree denotes a quality without making any comparison, such as “Your suggestion is good.”

How do adjectives with three or more syllables form comparisons?

Three or more syllables form the comparative by using more or less and the superlative by using most or least.

Are there adjectives that cannot be compared?

Yes. Adjectives like perfect, unique, square, universal, single, supreme, fatal, empty, vertical, full, alone, dead, final, mortal, round, deadly, straight, blind, everlasting, wrong, and almighty are not compared.

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