Comparative: compare two
A bicycle is slower than a car.
This book is more interesting than that one.
Common pattern: comparative adjective + than.
What are comparatives and superlatives?
Comparatives and superlatives are forms of adjectives used to compare people, places, animals, or things. Use a comparative to compare two; use a superlative to identify the greatest or least degree in a group of three or more.
Superlative: compare a group
Mia is the tallest person in her family.
That was the most interesting book in the series.
Common pattern: the + superlative adjective.
This guide focuses on adjective forms (a tall building, a taller building). Adverbs can also be compared—“She runs faster”—but their placement and use are a separate topic; see our adjectives and adverbs guide.
How to form comparatives and superlatives
Choose the pattern that fits the adjective. Syllable count is a useful guide, but some two-syllable adjectives allow more than one form.
| Adjective pattern | Comparative | Superlative | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most one-syllable adjectives | add -er | add -est | small → smaller → smallest |
| Adjectives ending in silent -e | add -r | add -st | wide → wider → widest |
| Many one-syllable adjectives ending consonant + vowel + consonant (not w, x, or y) | double final consonant + -er | double final consonant + -est | thin → thinner → thinnest |
| Consonant + -y | change y to i + -er | change y to i + -est | busy → busier → busiest |
| Most adjectives with two or more syllables | use more | use most | careful → more careful → most careful |
A note about two-syllable adjectives
Many two-syllable adjectives ending in -y take -ier/-iest (happy, happier, happiest). Others may use more/most or either form, depending on the word and variety of English: polite → politer/more polite.
Common irregular forms
These frequently used adjectives do not follow the regular spelling patterns, so learn each set as a group.
| Base adjective | Comparative | Superlative | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| good | better | best | This plan is better; it is the best option. |
| bad | worse | worst | Today is worse; Monday was the worst day. |
| far | farther / further | farthest / furthest | |
| many / much | more | most | She has more books than I do. |
| little (amount) | less | least | We have less time today. |
Farther often refers to physical distance; further can mean additional or greater. In many contexts, both forms are used for distance.
Use the right comparison structure
Small words such as than and the help make the comparison clear.
Comparative + than
Use than to name the second person or thing.
This route is shorter than the other one.
The blue bag is more expensive than the black bag.
(Not) as + adjective + as
Use this structure to say two things are equal—or not equal—in a quality.
My room is as bright as yours.
This test is not as difficult as the last one.
The + superlative
Use a superlative to single out one member of a group.
It is the coldest month of the year.
That is the most useful tool for this task.
In / of + group
Use in with places or groups and of with a set or period.
Lena is the youngest in her class.
June was the warmest of the three months.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not use two comparative markers
✗ This puzzle is more easier than that one.
✓ This puzzle is easier than that one.
Do not use two superlative markers
✗ It is the most coldest day.
✓ It is the coldest day.
Use “than” for a direct comparison
✗ My new phone is better from my old one.
✓ My new phone is better than my old one.
Remember “the” before most superlatives
✗ She is fastest runner on the team.
✓ She is the fastest runner on the team.
Quick practice
Choose the correct form in each sentence, then check your answers.
Frequently asked questions
When should I use “more” instead of “-er”?
Use more with most adjectives of two or more syllables, such as more careful and more useful. Many short adjectives take -er, and adjectives ending in consonant + y usually change y to i and add -er.
Do superlatives always use “the”?
In most ordinary comparisons, use the before a superlative adjective: the tallest building. Possessives or other determiners can take its place, as in my best result.
Can I say “more better” or “most easiest”?
No. Better and easiest already express comparison, so do not add more or most: say better or the easiest.