Comparatives

 

Use –er to compare one syllable adjectives and adverbs as well as two-syllable adjectives ending in –y.

A horse is bigger than a dog.
He is shorter than his brother.
I’m busier today than I was yesterday.
I can run faster than you can.

My house is smaller.
It’s the lesser of two evils.

Use more or less to compare most other adjectives and adverbs.

She is more helpful than her sister.
Mr. Gallant is more courageous than his cousin.
Craig is less practical than Kay.

Celine sings more beautifully than Barbara.

For better or worse

Use better and worse for comparisons with good or well.

That’s a good movie, but this one is better.
Actually, I think that one is worse.

Use as . . . as to show similarity

He’s as quick as his brother.
This chair is not as comfortable as that one.

Superlatives

Use the …-est to indicate the superlative of one-syllable adjectives and adverbs as well as two-syllable adjectives ending in –y.

He’s the fastest man alive.
That’s the funniest clown I’ve ever seen.
Ben works the hardest of them all.

Use the best or the worst as the superlative of good or well.

This is the best deal I can offer you.
That was the best time I’ve ever had.
It was the worst dinner I’ve ever cooked.
I like this one (the) best.

Use the most + adjective/adverb to indicate the superlative of longer adjectives and adverbs.

He’s the most wonderful man I’ve met.
That was the most difficult exam I’ve ever taken.
Chris sings the most beautifully of them all.