Questions and Answers
What is the correct comparative form of the adjective 'happy'?
Which of the following adjectives uses 'most' to form its superlative?
What is the correct superlative form of the adjective 'bad'?
For the adjective 'far', which is an acceptable comparative form?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the superlative form of 'old' when referring to people?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following adjectives does not have a regular comparative and superlative form?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Comparative and Superlative
Formation Rules
-
Comparative Adjectives: Used to compare two nouns.
-
Regular Formation:
- For one-syllable adjectives: Add "-er" (e.g., tall → taller).
- For two-syllable adjectives ending in "-y": Change "-y" to "-i" and add "-er" (e.g., happy → happier).
- For most two-syllable adjectives and those with three or more syllables: Use "more" before the adjective (e.g., beautiful → more beautiful).
-
Regular Formation:
-
Superlative Adjectives: Used to express the highest degree among three or more nouns.
-
Regular Formation:
- For one-syllable adjectives: Add "-est" (e.g., tall → tallest).
- For two-syllable adjectives ending in "-y": Change "-y" to "-i" and add "-est" (e.g., happy → happiest).
- For most two-syllable adjectives and those with three or more syllables: Use "most" before the adjective (e.g., beautiful → most beautiful).
-
Regular Formation:
Irregular Forms
- Comparatives and superlatives that do not follow standard rules:
-
Good:
- Comparative: better
- Superlative: best
-
Bad:
- Comparative: worse
- Superlative: worst
-
Far:
- Comparative: farther (or further)
- Superlative: farthest (or furthest)
-
Little:
- Comparative: less
- Superlative: least
-
Much/Many:
- Comparative: more
- Superlative: most
-
Old:
- Comparative: older (or elder when referring to people)
- Superlative: oldest (or eldest when referring to people)
-
Good:
Formation Rules
- Comparative Adjectives: Used for comparing two nouns.
- One-syllable adjectives form comparatives by adding "-er" (e.g., tall to taller).
- Two-syllable adjectives ending in "-y" change "-y" to "-i" and add "-er" (e.g., happy to happier).
- Most two-syllable adjectives and three or more syllables use "more" before the adjective (e.g., beautiful to more beautiful).
- Superlative Adjectives: Indicate the highest degree among three or more nouns.
- One-syllable adjectives form superlatives by adding "-est" (e.g., tall to tallest).
- Two-syllable adjectives ending in "-y" change "-y" to "-i" and add "-est" (e.g., happy to happiest).
- Most two-syllable adjectives and three or more syllables use "most" before the adjective (e.g., beautiful to most beautiful).
Irregular Forms
- Certain adjectives do not follow standard formation rules:
-
Good:
- Comparative: better
- Superlative: best
-
Bad:
- Comparative: worse
- Superlative: worst
-
Far:
- Comparative: farther (or further)
- Superlative: farthest (or furthest)
-
Little:
- Comparative: less
- Superlative: least
-
Much/Many:
- Comparative: more
- Superlative: most
-
Old:
- Comparative: older (or elder when referring to people)
- Superlative: oldest (or eldest when referring to people)
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your understanding of comparative and superlative adjectives with this quiz. Learn the formation rules and recognize both regular and irregular forms. Perfect for students looking to enhance their English grammar skills.