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Grammar Reference Unit 1 4

Comparatives Superlatives

We use the following rules to make the comparative form of The rules for making superlative forms are the same as
adjectives. comparatives, but we add -est to the adjective and put the
before it.
For one-syllable adjectives ending in -e, we add -r.
nice – nicer For one-syllable adjectives ending in -e, we add -st .
fine – finer nice – the nicest
fine – the finest
For one-syllable adjectives ending consonant + vowel +
consonant, we double the last consonant and add -er. For one-syllable adjectives ending consonant + vowel +
big – bigger consonant, we double the last consonant and add -est.
wet – wetter big – the biggest
wet – the wettest
For other one-syllable adjectives, we add -er.
small – smaller For other one-syllable adjectives, we add -est.
hard – harder small – the smallest
hard – the hardest
For one- or two-syllable adjectives ending in -y, we omit -y
and add -ier. For one- or two-syllable adjectives ending in -y, we omit -y
dry – drier and add -iest.
heavy – heavier dry – the driest
heavy – the heaviest
For other adjectives with two or more syllables, we use more*.
more difficult For other adjectives with two or more syllables, we use the
more careful most.
the most difficult
For irregular adjectives, we use a different word completely. the most careful
good – better
bad – worse For irregular adjectives, we use a different word completely.
far – further good – the best
bad – the worst
*A few two-syllable adjectives that don’t end in -y have far – the furthest
a comparative form ending in -er: stupider, commoner,
narrower, quieter. *A few two-syllable adjectives that don’t end in -y have
a comparative form ending in -est: the stupidest, the
We use comparative adjectives to compare two things. commonest, the narrowest, the quietest.
We use than before the second thing.
The Great Pyramid is taller than the Statue of Liberty. We use superlatives to put one thing above a group of other
The Colosseum is bigger than other stadiums. things.
Dubai is more modern than Madrid. The best thing about Spain is the food.
What is the most exciting city to visit?
Where is the tallest building in the world?

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