Comparative and Superlative Forms: Parts of Speech

Welcome to our lesson on Comparative and Superlative Forms! Today, we’ll explore how we compare things in English to express differences in degree or quality.

What are Comparative and Superlative Forms?

Comparative and superlative forms are used when we want to compare two or more things. We use the comparative form when we compare two things and the superlative form when we compare three or more things.

Forming Comparative and Superlative Forms

Let’s start with adjectives. Adjectives are words that describe nouns or pronouns.

1.  Comparative Form: To form the comparative form of most adjectives, we add “er” to the end of the adjective.
   • Example: fast → faster, tall → taller
2.  Superlative Form: To form the superlative form of most adjectives, we add “est” to the end of the adjective.
   • Example: fast → fastest, tall → tallest

However, there are some irregular adjectives that don’t follow this rule. For example:

• good → better (comparative), best (superlative)
• bad → worse (comparative), worst (superlative)

Using Comparative and Superlative Forms in Sentences

Now, let’s see how we use comparative and superlative forms in sentences.

1.  Comparative Form:
   • The cheetah is faster than the lion.
   • This book is more interesting than that one.
2.  Superlative Form:
   • The cheetah is the fastest land animal.
   • This is the most interesting book I’ve ever read.

Comparing with “Than”

When comparing two things, we often use “than” after the comparative form.

• Sarah is taller than Tom.
• My house is bigger than yours.

Remember!

• Comparative form: Used to compare two things.
• Superlative form: Used to compare three or more things.
• Adjectives can be regular (follow the “er” and “est” pattern) or irregular.

Practice Time!

Let’s practice forming comparative and superlative forms with the following adjectives:

• Happy
• Busy
• Big
• Small
• Easy

Exercises : 

• Exercise 1: Comparative and Superlative Forms | Practice Test Online
• Exercise 2: Comparative and Superlative Forms | Practice Test Online
• Exercise 3: Comparative and Superlative Forms | Practice Test Online

Try to form sentences using both comparative and superlative forms.

That’s all for today’s lesson! Practice using comparative and superlative forms in your everyday conversations to become more fluent in English. See you in the next lesson.