Comparative Forms of Adjectives

Comparative Forms

• Definition: Comparative adjectives are used to compare two nouns and indicate differences in degree or quality.

• Formation Rules:

  1. One-Syllable Adjectives:

     • Add "-er" to the end of the adjective.
     • Example: tall → taller, fast → faster.

  2. Two-Syllable Adjectives:

     • Typically, adjectives ending in "-y" change the "-y" to "-i" and add "-er".
     • Example: happy → happier, busy → busier.
     • For other two-syllable adjectives, use "more" before the adjective.
     • Example: careful → more careful, modern → more modern.

  3. Three or More Syllable Adjectives:

     • Always use "more" before the adjective.
     • Example: beautiful → more beautiful, interesting → more interesting.

• Irregular Comparatives:

  • Some adjectives have unique comparative forms.
  • Examples:
    • good → better
    • bad → worse
    • far → farther or further

• Usage:

  • Comparative adjectives are often used with "than".
  • Example: She is taller than her brother.
  • Can also be used without "than" for a general comparison.
  • Example: This book is better.

• Notes on Usage:

  • Ensure the correct form is applied based on the number of syllables.
  • Be aware of irregular forms to avoid grammatical errors.
  • Context matters; make sure the comparison is clear and relevant.

Definition of Comparative Adjectives

• Used to compare two nouns.
• Indicate differences in degree or quality.

Formation Rules

• One-Syllable Adjectives

  • Add "-er" to the adjective.
  • Example: tall → taller, fast → faster.

• Two-Syllable Adjectives

  • Adjectives ending in "-y" change "-y" to "-i" and add "-er".
  • Example: happy → happier, busy → busier.
  • Other two-syllable adjectives use "more" before the adjective.
  • Example: careful → more careful, modern → more modern.

• Three or More Syllable Adjectives

  • Always use "more" before the adjective.
  • Example: beautiful → more beautiful, interesting → more interesting.

Irregular Comparatives

• Unique forms for certain adjectives:
  • good → better
  • bad → worse
  • far → farther or further

Usage

• Commonly used with "than" for direct comparisons.
  • Example: She is taller than her brother.
• Can also be used without "than" for a general comparison.
  • Example: This book is better.

Notes on Usage

• Correct form depends on the number of syllables in the adjective.
• Be cautious of irregular forms to avoid errors.
• Ensure comparisons are clear and contextually relevant.