Work FaQ

Comparative Forms in English

Comparative and superlative forms are used to compare and contrast different objects in English.

Use the comparative forms to show the difference between two objects: New York is more dangerous than Seattle.

Use the superlative form when speaking about three or more objects to show which object is the most of anything: New York is the most dangerous city I’ve been to!

Here are a few little things to remember when constructing sentences using the comparative form.

For one syllable adjectives

Add er to the end of the adjective, like this:

Hot=hotter/cheap=cheaper/high=higher

For two syllable adjectives ending in “y”

Remove the “y” and add “ier”.

Happy=happier/funny=funnier

For Two, three, or more syllable adjectives

Place the word “more” before these adjectives.

Manila is more crowded than Baguio

This test will be more difficult than the previous one.

Now there are some exceptions to these rules. Aren’t there always? Have a look.

Do not use “gooder” or “more good” when using the comparative form of this word. Simply change it to “better”.

The same thing goes with the word “bad”. Use “worse” for the comparative form.