Adjectives: Positive, Comparative, Superlative

• Adjectives describe nouns and pronouns and can appear in three degrees: positive, comparative, and superlative.

Positive Degree

• The positive degree is the base form of the adjective.
• It is used when no comparison is being made.
• Example: "This is a tall tree." ("tall" is the positive degree)

Comparative Degree

• Used to compare two things.
• Typically formed by adding "-er" to the adjective or using "more" before the adjective.
• Use '-er' for most one-syllable and some two-syllable adjectives.
• Use 'more' for longer adjectives (usually two or more syllables) or when '-er' sounds awkward.
• Examples:
  • "This tree is taller than that one." (comparative of "tall")
  • "This book is more interesting than the last one." (comparative of "interesting")

Superlative Degree

• Used to compare three or more things.
• Typically formed by adding "-est" to the adjective or using "most" before the adjective.
• Use '-est' for most one-syllable and some two-syllable adjectives.
• Use 'most' for longer adjectives (usually two or more syllables).
• Examples:
  • "This is the tallest tree in the park." (superlative of "tall")
  • "This is the most interesting book I have ever read." (superlative of "interesting")

Rules for Forming Comparatives and Superlatives

Adding -er/-est vs. Using More/Most

• General Rule:
  • Short adjectives (usually one syllable) typically take "-er" and "-est."
  • Longer adjectives (two or more syllables) typically use "more" and "most."
• Examples:
  • Short: tall, taller, tallest
  • Long: beautiful, more beautiful, most beautiful

Exceptions and Special Cases

• Adjectives ending in -y:
  • If the adjective ends in "-y," change the "y" to "i" before adding "-er" or "-est."
  • Examples: happy, happier, happiest; easy, easier, easiest
• Adjectives ending in -e:
  • If the adjective ends in a silent "-e," drop the "e" before adding "-er" or "-est."
  • Examples: wise, wiser, wisest; large, larger, largest
• One-syllable adjectives ending in consonant-vowel-consonant (CVC):
  • Double the final consonant before adding "-er" or "-est."
  • Examples: big, bigger, biggest; hot, hotter, hottest
• Two-syllable adjectives:
  • Some two-syllable adjectives can take either "-er/-est" or "more/most," often depending on euphony (sound). It's best to consult a dictionary if unsure.
  • Examples: simple, simpler/more simple, simplest/most simple; quiet, quieter/more quiet, quietest/most quiet
• Irregular adjectives:
  • Some adjectives have irregular comparative and superlative forms that do not follow the standard rules.
  • Examples:
    • good, better, best
    • bad, worse, worst
    • far, farther/further, farthest/furthest
    • little, less, least
    • much/many, more, most

Compound Adjectives

• Compound adjectives generally use "more" and "most" to form the comparative and superlative degrees.
• Example: well-known, more well-known, most well-known

Adjectives That Cannot Be Compared (Non-Gradable Adjectives)

• Some adjectives describe absolute states and cannot logically be compared. These are known as non-gradable adjectives.
• Examples:
  • Absolute adjectives: unique, perfect, complete, absolute, dead, alive
  • You cannot say "more unique" or "most perfect" because something is either unique or it is not. You also cannot have something be "more complete"
• Usage:
  • While traditionally these are not gradable, in informal usage, you might encounter phrases like "more unique," but it is generally considered incorrect in formal writing.

Using "Less" and "Least"

• "Less" and "least" are used to form the comparative and superlative degrees to indicate a lower degree of the adjective.
• Examples:
  • "This car is less expensive than that one." (comparative)
  • "This is the least expensive option." (superlative)

Tips for Correct Usage

• When in doubt, consult a dictionary to confirm the correct comparative and superlative forms of an adjective.
• Pay attention to the sound and rhythm of the sentence. Sometimes "more" or "most" may sound better than the "-er/-est" forms, even for shorter adjectives.
• Be consistent within your writing. If you use "more common" for one adjective, use "more [another adjective]" for similar adjectives.
• Avoid double comparatives and superlatives (e.g., "more better," "most best"). These are grammatically incorrect.
• Ensure that your comparisons are logical and clear. For example, when comparing two things, make sure it is clear which two things you are comparing.