Many, some, or much become more in the comparative and most in the superlative. Some have more than one option: little can become littler or less (comparative), and littlest or least (superlative). Some common irregular adjectives are good, better, best and bad, worse, worst. For those, you must memorize how these change the spelling of their positive form to show comparative and superlative degrees.

There are a few irregular adjectives and adverbs. What about irregular adjectives and adverbs? For example, intelligent becomes most intelligent. Otherwise, you’ll use more or most to form the comparative. The ending -est is used to create the superlative of adjectives and adverbs ending in -y, -le, or -er. Just as with the comparative, this applies only to one-syllable adjectives and those that end in -y, -le, or -er and have two syllables. This is the most delicious pie I’ve ever had!.The black cat is the smallest of the four.You use this form when contrasting three or more things: The superlative form is the greatest or least degree of the quality named, e.g., reddest, most or least awful, soonest, most or least quickly. For example, intelligent becomes more intelligent. If the ending -er can be used, a dictionary will usually list it. You can also look in a dictionary if you need a reminder. This applies only to one-syllable adjectives and those that end in -y, -le, or -er and have two syllables, like happy, brittle, or clever. The ending -er is used to create the comparative of adjectives and adverbs ending in -y, -le, or -er. For example, happy becomes happier. This camera is more expensive than the other.You use this form when contrasting only two things: The comparative form is the greater or lesser degree of the quality named-e.g., redder, more or less awful, sooner, more or less quickly. You’ll be able to memorize some rules for creating the comparative and superlative forms, but you’ll also need to know how to handle irregular constructions.įor the most part, adjectives and adverbs show degrees of quality or amount with the endings -er and -est or with the words more and most or less and least. The positive form of an adjective or adverb is the basic form listed in a dictionary-e.g., red, awful (adjectives) soon, quickly (adverbs). These three words-g ood, better, and best-are examples of the three forms of an adjective or adverb: positive, comparative, and superlative. Not all things are created equal: some are good, others are better, and only the cream of the crop rise to the level of best.

What is a superlative