Use a comparative to compare two things: bigger, more expensive. Use a superlative to say which one in a group is number one: the biggest, the most expensive.
The pattern
My apartment is bigger than yours.
This is the cheapest coffee in town.
01Short adjectives: -er and -est
For one-syllable adjectives, add -er and -est. If the adjective ends in -e, add only -r or -st. After one vowel + one consonant, double the last letter: big, bigger. Two-syllable adjectives that end in -y change to -ier and -iest.
A few common adjectives are irregular: good, bad and far.
| Adjective | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|---|---|
| cheap | cheaper | the cheapest |
| nice | nicer | the nicest |
| hot | hotter | the hottest |
| busy | busier | the busiest |
| expensive | more expensive | the most expensive |
| good | better | the best |
| bad | worse | the worst |
| far | farther | the farthest |
02Long adjectives: more and the most
For most adjectives with two or more syllables, use more and the most: more comfortable, the most interesting. Don't add -er to these words, and never use more and -er together.
- This couch is more comfortable than the old one.
- It was the most boring meeting of the week.
- Online classes are more convenient for me.
03Than, the, and as ... as
Use than after a comparative. Use the before a superlative, often with in or of: the tallest building in Dallas, the best day of my life.
To say two things are the same, use as + adjective + as. For the opposite, use not as ... as.
- Houston is bigger than Dallas.
- Alaska is the largest state in the US.
- Today is as hot as yesterday.
- My car isn't as fast as yours.
04Common mistakes
She is more tall than her brother.
She is taller than her brother.
Tall has one syllable, so add -er instead of using more.
My job is more easier now.
My job is easier now.
Use more or -er, never both.
This is the more expensive phone in the store.
This is the most expensive phone in the store.
We compare it with every phone in the store, so use the superlative.
Chicago is colder that Miami.
Chicago is colder than Miami.
After a comparative, use than, not that.