Grammar Boot Camp: Comparatives and superlatives Comparatives and Superlatives are special forms of adjectives. They are used to compare two or more things. Generally, comparatives are formed using “-er” and superlatives are formed using “-est”. How you form them, depends on how many syllables the adjective has. You use comparatives when you are comparing TWO things. Use with “than” or “but”. Example: Dogs are cuter than cats. You use superlatives when you are comparing MORE THAN TWO things. Use “the” since there is only one. Example: Kareem is the tallest player on the team. Adjective form One syllable, ending in “e” ex: cute One syllable, one vowel, ending in a consonant ex: fat One syllable, more than one vowel, ending in consonant ex: bright Two syllables, ending in “y” ex: happy Two or more syllables, not ending in “y” ex: beautiful Comparative Add “-r” ex: cuter Double the consonant and add “-er” ex: fatter Add “-er” Superlative Add “-st” ex: cutest Double the consonant and add “-est” ex: fattest Add “-est” ex: brighter Change the “y” to “i” and add “-er” ex: happier Use “more” before the adjective ex: more beautiful ex: brightest Change the “y” to “i” and add “-est” ex: happiest Use “most” before the adjective ex: most beautiful Not are so easy! The adjectives “good”, “bad”, and “far” are different. Adjective Comparative Superlative good better best bad worse Worst far farther OR further farthest OR furthest *Please note that there is no “more better” or “more worse”! Something is either just plain old better or worse, or the best or worst. Fill out the chart below with the correct comparative and superlatives. Adjective form Comparative Superlative deep ugly happy destructive sad safe short Woo hoo! Grammar Boot Camp is improving our writing one day at a time! Tomorrow, we’re looking at double negatives.