Comparatives, Superlatives & More
Making Comparisons
A or B?
By Efriyana Syafri
Adjectives
Positives
Positive
We use the positive form to describe something or someone in the same level
Positives
Joe runs as slow as Nana does
Today is as hot as yesterday
Adit is as tall as Riska
I can drive as fast as you.
Siska speaks as calmly as Farah does
Riska
Adit
Pattern
Pattern 2
S (pertama) + to be + as Adjective as + S (kedua)
Adjectives
Comparatives
Comparative
We use the comparative to compare two things or actions. It
Comparatives
A hotel is more comfortable than a tent.
Are you feeling better?
It's hotter today than yesterday.
Greta is taller than Lorna.
I can drive faster than you.
She looks happier than before.
Greta
Lorna
Pattern 1
Pattern 2
S (pertama) + to be + Adjective + - er + than + S (kedua)
S (pertama) + to be + more + Adjective + than + S (kedua)
Adjectives & Adverbs
Superlatives
Superlative
We use the superlative form of adjectives and adverbs to compare one thing or action with a group of things or actions.
Superlatives
This is the most comfortable sofa I've ever sat on.
He's my best friend.
The hottest temperatures in Brazil are in January.
Greta is the tallest in her family.
Is this the fastest you can drive?
Some of my happiest memories are from the 90s.
Greta
Lorna
Lisa
Pattern 1
Pattern 2
S (pertama) + to be + the Adjective + - est [+ O]
S (pertama) + to be + the most + Adjective [+ O]
| 1 syllable | 2 syllable ending in -y | 1 syllable ending in -e | 1 syllable ending consonant-vowel-consontant | 2 or more syllables* | Irregular (good/well - bad/badly - far - old**) |
Comparative | -er | -ier | -r | double consontant + -er | more... | better worse farther/further elder* |
Superlative | -est | -iest | -st | double consontant + -est | the most... | the best the worst the farthest/the furthest the eldest* |
Forms
**Old has a regular form (older/the older) and an irregular one (elder/the eldest) when describing people's ages, especially when they are family members.
*Some two-syllable adjectives can take both forms (adding -er/-est or more/the most): narrow - clever - simple - cruel - common - likely - gentle - common.
*Adverbs ending in -ly always add more/the most.
Irregular form
Conclusion
Happy learning!