Introduction

Comparatives and superlatives are forms of adjectives and adverbs that are used to compare persons, objects, or animals. We use superlatives when more than two persons, objects, or animals are being compared. This is to highlight who or what has the highest degree of quality within the group being compared.

Table of adjectives, comparatives, and superlatives
Adjectives, comparatives, and superlatives

Comparatives

Comparatives are formed by adding -er to the end of the adjective/adverb, or by using more before the adjective/adverb.

Noun (subject) + verb + comparative adjective + than + noun (object).

  1. Tom is taller than Jack.
  2. Light travels faster than sound.
  3. Today is hotter than yesterday.
  4. Metals conduct heat better than wood.
  5. The sun is bigger than the Earth.

Superlatives

Superlatives are formed by adding -est to the end of the adjective/adverb, or by using most before the adjective/adverb.

  1. Tom is the tallest in the class.
  2. What is the largest country in South America?
  3. I was the smartest student in my class.
  4. That was the best movie I’ve seen this year.
  5. He is the kindest person in our neighbourhood.
  6. Antarctica is the coldest place on Earth.
  7. This is the oldest building in the city.
  8. The Sahara is the hottest desert in the world.

Irregular forms

A small number of adjectives do not follow the regular -er/-est forms to make comparatives and superlatives (e.g., good, better, best; bad, worse, worst). The list below illustrates some common English adjectives and their comparative and superlative forms, along with example sentences.

good
1. better

She is better at chess than her brother.

2. the best

He is the best player we’ve ever had.

bad
1. worse

The sequel was worse than the original movie.

2. the worst

That was the worst film I’ve ever seen.

far
1. farther/further

We walked farther than we planned.

2. the farthest/furthest

This is the furthest I’ve ever been from home.

little
1. less

There is less sugar in this recipe than in the last one.

2. the least

Of all the candidates, he has the least experience.

many/much
1. more

There are more apples in this basket than in that one.

2. the most

She has the most stickers in the class.

old
1. older/elder

My older sister is wiser than my younger brother.

2. the oldest/eldest

He is the oldest member of the club.

safe
1. safer

Travelling by train is safer than travelling by car.

2. the safest

Staying indoors during a storm is the safest option.

quick
1. quicker

His response was quicker than expected.

2. the quickest

Email is the quickest way to reach her.

slow
1. slower

This computer is slower than my old one.

2. the slowest

This is the slowest line at the supermarket.

weak
1. weaker

Her handshake was weaker than I remembered.

2. the weakest

This is the weakest coffee I’ve ever tasted.

strong
1. stronger

The coffee was stronger than she wanted it to be.

2. the strongest

This material is the strongest they offer.

young
1. younger

My younger brother is taller than me.

2. the youngest

She is the youngest person in the company.

old
1. older

This tradition is older than we thought.

2. the oldest

This is the oldest tree in the forest.

bright
1. brighter

The moon is brighter tonight.

2. the brightest

He is the brightest student in the class.

dark
1. darker

The room gets darker when the sun sets.

2. the darkest

This shade of blue is the darkest available.

small
1. smaller

This apartment is smaller than the last one.

2. the smallest

She chose the smallest puppy of the litter.

large
1. larger

We need a larger house for the family.

2. the largest

It’s the largest museum in the city.

hot
1. hotter

Today is hotter than yesterday.

2. the hottest

Last summer was the hottest on record.

cold
1. colder

The water feels colder in the morning.

2. the coldest

Where is the coldest place on Earth?

loud
1. louder

The music was louder than usual last night.

2. the loudest

She has the loudest laugh I’ve ever heard.

quiet
1. quieter

This room is quieter than the one upstairs.

2. the quietest

Early mornings are the quietest times in the city.

hard
1. harder

The quiz today was harder than the last one.

2. the hardest

That was the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make.

easy
1. easier

It’s easier to learn with visual aids.

2. the easiest

This is the easiest recipe for beginners.

narrow
1. narrower

This path is narrower than the main road.

2. the narrowest

This alley is the narrowest in the whole town.

broad
1. broader

His interests have become broader over the years.

2. the broadest

The river is widest at the broadest point near the bridge.

deep
1. deeper

The ocean gets deeper a few miles from shore.

2. the deepest

The Mariana Trench is the deepest part of the world’s oceans.

shallow
1. shallower

The water becomes shallower near the beach.

2. the shallowest

The kiddie pool is the shallowest in the water park.

high
1. higher

Prices are higher during the holiday season.

2. the highest

The mountain peak is the highest point in the region.

low
1. lower

Temperatures are lower at night.

2. the lowest

The valley is the lowest point in the area.

nice
1. nicer

This hotel is nicer than the one we stayed in last time.

2. the nicest

She is the nicest person I’ve ever met.

simple
1. simpler

The instructions should be simpler for everyone to understand.

2. the simplest

This is the simplest solution to the problem.

thin
1. thinner

This phone model is thinner than the previous one.

2. the thinnest

This ice sheet is the thinnest we’ve recorded in years.

fat
1. fatter

The cat has gotten fatter since we last saw her.

2. the fattest

He won the contest for the fattest pumpkin in the county.

beautiful
1. more beautiful

The view from the hill is more beautiful than from the ground.

2. the most beautiful

This painting is the most beautiful one in the gallery.

complex
1. more complex

The problem seems more complex than we initially thought.

2. the most complex

This is the most complex equation in the textbook.

difficult
1. more difficult

As the course progresses, the tests become more difficult.

2. the most difficult

Choosing a favourite was the most difficult decision.

expensive
1. more expensive

Luxury cars are more expensive than standard models.

2. the most expensive

This is the most expensive piece of jewellery in the store.

comfortable
1. more comfortable

This chair is more comfortable than the one in my office.

2. the most comfortable

These are the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn.

interesting
1. more interesting

The second book was more interesting than the first one.

2. the most interesting

This is the most interesting case I’ve ever worked on.

intelligent
1. more intelligent

Dolphins are more intelligent than many other animals.

2. the most intelligent

She is the most intelligent student in our class.

dangerous
1. more dangerous

Climbing without proper gear is more dangerous than with it.

2. the most dangerous

This is the most dangerous road in the country.

popular
1. more popular

Streaming services are becoming more popular than cable TV.

2. the most popular

This is the most popular song on the charts this week.

sophisticated
1. more sophisticated

Today’s smartphones are more sophisticated than earlier models.

2. the most sophisticated

This security system is the most sophisticated on the market.

creative
1. more creative

Brainstorming sessions are more creative in the morning.

2. the most creative

Her solution to the problem was the most creative.

efficient
1. more efficient

LED bulbs are more efficient than fluorescent lights.

2. the most efficient

This machine is the most efficient in energy consumption.

effective
1. more effective

Practising every day is more effective than cramming.

2. the most effective

This medicine is the most effective for treating malaria.

flexible
1. more flexible

Yoga makes your body more flexible than before.

2. the most flexible

This material is the most flexible for our needs.

reliable
1. more reliable

Public transportation is more reliable in this city than in others.

2. the most reliable

She is the most reliable member of our team.

accessible
1. more accessible

Online courses are more accessible than traditional classes.

2. the most accessible

This park is the most accessible for people with disabilities.

enjoyable
1. more enjoyable

Travelling with friends is more enjoyable than going alone.

2. the most enjoyable

That vacation was the most enjoyable I’ve ever had.

favourable
1. more favourable

The weather is more favourable for a hike today than yesterday.

2. the most favourable

This contract offers the most favourable terms.

peaceful
1. more peaceful

The countryside is more peaceful than the city.

2. the most peaceful

This spot by the lake is the most peaceful place I know.

respectful
1. more respectful

Being more respectful in conversation can improve relationships.

2. the most respectful

She is the most respectful student in class.

suitable
1. more suitable

This bicycle is more suitable for teenagers.

2. the most suitable

Of all the applicants, he is the most suitable for the job.

Max 1000 characters.