ADJECTIVES : Degrees of Comparison

When we use adjectives to compare persons or things, we are said to be using degrees of comparison.

Positive degree

Comparative degree

Superlative degree

ADJECTIVES : Positive Degree

The Positive Degree of an adjective is used to describe a single thing or person. It simply describes the existence of a quality.

Rudi is a tall boy.

ADJECTIVES : Comparative Degree

The Comparative Degree of an adjective is used to compare two persons or things with each other.

RUDIRONI

Roni is taller than Rudi.

ADJECTIVES : Superlative Degree

The Superlative Degree of an adjective is used to compare more than two persons or things with each other.

ROBBYRONIRUDI

Robby is the tallest of the three boys.

ADJECTIVES :Degree of Comparison

*Rudi is a tall boy.*Roni is taller than Rudi.*Robby is the tallest of the three

boys.

ROBBYRONIRUDI

Forming Degrees of Comparison

COMPARATIVE DEGREEAdding –er

Example : big – bigger

SUPERLATIVE DEGREEAdding –est

Example : big – biggest

Forming Degrees of Comparison

If the adjective ends by “e” then the comparative is formed by adding “r”. and the Superlative is formed by adding “st”.

Positive Comparative SuperlativeWise Wiser Wisest

Forming Degrees of ComparisonIf the positive form of an

adjective ends in “y”, and it has a consonant before it, then “y” is first change to “i” before adding “-er” and “est”.

Positive Comparative Superlativeheavy heavier heaviest

If the “y” has a vowel before it, then “-er” and “-est” are simply added.

Positive Comparative Superlativegrey greyer greyest

Forming Degrees of ComparisonFor some adjectives, the last letter is

doubled before adding by “-er” and “-est” because it ends with consonant and just before it, it has a vowel.

Positive Comparative Superlativesad sadder saddest

Thin Thinner thinnest

Forming Degrees of Comparison

For adjectives having more than two syllables, the comparative and superlative degrees are formed by adding “more” and “most” before the positive form.

Positive Comparative SuperlativeBeautiful More

beautifulMost

beautifulUseful More useful Most useful

Forming Degrees of Comparison

There are the different rule from some adjectives that they are formed by different words for comparative and superlative.

Positive Comparative SuperlativeMany/much More Most

Well/good Better Best

Little Less, lesser least

Rules of using Degrees of Comparison

RULES EXAMPLESWe can use positive form to comparison by using “as adjective as”

Mini is as wise as Manan.

An adjective in comparative degree is usually followed by “than”

Tina is more diligent than her brother.

Use “the” before superlative degree of adjective.

She is the best student in this class.

An adjective in superlative degree is usually followed by “of” or “in”

She is the biggest girl in this school.Study is the most important thing of my life.

We can’t use double comparatives or superlatives.

Incorrect:It is more darker here.