To compare two things, we use the comparative degree, which often:
- adds "-er" to one-syllable adjectives. Example: tall - taller
- uses "more" for adjectives with two or more syllables. Example: beautiful - more beautiful.
To compare three or more things, we use the superlative degree, which usually:
- adds "-est" to one-syllable adjectives. Example: tall - the tallest.
- uses "most" for adjectives with two or more syllables. Example: beautiful - most beautiful.
Spelling:
1. One-syllable adjectives:
- Add "-er" for comparative (e.g., "fast" → "faster").
- Add "-est" for superlative (e.g., "fast" → "fastest").
2. Two-syllable adjectives ending in -y:
- Change "-y" to "-i" and add "-er" for comparative (e.g., "happy" → "happier").
- Change "-y" to "-i" and add "-est" for superlative (e.g., "happy" → "happiest").
3. Two-syllable adjectives not ending in -y and adjectives with three or more syllables:
- Use "more" for comparative (e.g., "careful" → "more careful").
- Use "most" for superlative (e.g., "careful" → "most careful").
4. Irregular adjectives:
- Some adjectives have unique forms (e.g., "good" → "better" (comparative), "best" (superlative); "bad" → "worse" (comparative), "worst" (superlative).
