English Grammar for the Utterly Confused - Laurie Rozakis 2003
Positive, Comparative, and Superlative Degrees of Comparison
Chapter 4. Using Adjectives and Adverbs Correctly
Part 2 Usage and Abusage
Adjectives and adverbs not only describe things; they also compare them. Adjectives and adverbs have different forms to show degrees of comparison. There are three degrees of comparison: positive, comparative, and superlative. The following list summarizes the three degrees of comparison:
• Positive: The base form of the adjective or adverb not being used in a comparison.
• Comparative: The form of the adjective or adverb being used to compare two things.
• Superlative: The form of the adjective or adverb being used to compare three or more things.
Here’s a cheat sheet:
The following guidelines show how to form the comparative and superlative degrees of adjectives and adverbs.
1. In most cases, use -er/-est with one- and two-syllable adjectives or adverbs.
2. When an adjective or adverb has three or more syllables, use more and most or less and least to form the comparative and superlative degrees.
3. If the word sounds awkward, break the rule.
For example, since just has one syllable, the comparative form should be juster and the superlative form should be justest. However, since this sounds odd, we use more just and most just. Listen to the word to identify the most natural-sounding form of the comparative or superlative degree. When in doubt, consult your dictionary.
4. Never use both -er and more, or -est and most, with the same modifier.
Never use double comparisons. For example, never say “the most furthest.” Instead, say “furthest.” Never say the “least happiest.” Instead, say “least happy.”
5. All adverbs that end in -ly form their comparative and superlative degrees with more and most.
6. Some adjectives and adverbs have irregular forms.
A few adjectives and adverbs don’t follow these rules when they form the comparative and superlative degrees. Unfortunately, they are among the most commonly used modifiers in English, so you’re apt to need them virtually every day. Since they don’t follow a pattern, you just have to bite the bullet and memorize them.
Irregular Adjectives and Adverbs
Good and well are especially tricky. Follow these guidelines:
