Adjectives are an essential part of the English language. They are words that describe or modify nouns, giving more information about the object, person, or place in question. One fascinating aspect of adjectives is their ability to express different degrees of comparison. This feature allows us to compare one noun to another, providing a clearer picture of the qualities being described. In this article, we will delve into the degrees of comparison of adjectives, exploring their forms and usage in detail.
Understanding Degrees of Comparison
Adjectives can describe qualities in varying degrees. There are three primary degrees of comparison: the positive degree, the comparative degree, and the superlative degree. Each degree serves a different purpose and is formed in a specific way.
1. Positive Degree
The positive degree is the simplest form of an adjective. It describes a quality without making any comparison. For example:
– “She is a tall girl.”
– “This is a beautiful painting.”
In these sentences, “tall” and “beautiful” are positive degree adjectives. They simply describe the girl and the painting without comparing them to others.
2. Comparative Degree
The comparative degree is used to compare the quality of one noun to another. This degree often ends in “-er” or uses the word “more” before the adjective. For example:
– “She is taller than her sister.”
– “This painting is more beautiful than the one in the gallery.”
Here, “taller” and “more beautiful” are comparative degree adjectives. They compare the girl to her sister and the painting to another painting, respectively.
3. Superlative Degree
The superlative degree is used to describe the extreme or highest degree of a quality among three or more nouns. This degree often ends in “-est” or uses the word “most” before the adjective. For example:
– “She is the tallest girl in her class.”
– “This is the most beautiful painting in the museum.”
In these examples, “tallest” and “most beautiful” are superlative degree adjectives. They describe the girl and the painting as having the highest degree of the quality compared to all others in their group.
Forming Comparative and Superlative Adjectives
The way we form comparative and superlative adjectives depends on the length of the adjective and its syllable count. Let’s break down the rules:
1. One-Syllable Adjectives
For most one-syllable adjectives, add “-er” for the comparative degree and “-est” for the superlative degree.
– Positive: small
– Comparative: smaller
– Superlative: smallest
Examples:
– “This box is smaller than that one.”
– “This is the smallest box in the room.”
2. Two-Syllable Adjectives
For two-syllable adjectives, you typically add “-er” and “-est” if the adjective ends in “-y,” “-le,” or “-er.” For other two-syllable adjectives, use “more” and “most.”
– Positive: happy
– Comparative: happier
– Superlative: happiest
Examples:
– “She is happier today than yesterday.”
– “She is the happiest person I know.”
For other two-syllable adjectives:
– Positive: careful
– Comparative: more careful
– Superlative: most careful
Examples:
– “Be more careful with that glass.”
– “She is the most careful driver I have ever seen.”
3. Adjectives with Three or More Syllables
For adjectives with three or more syllables, use “more” for the comparative degree and “most” for the superlative degree.
– Positive: expensive
– Comparative: more expensive
– Superlative: most expensive
Examples:
– “This car is more expensive than that one.”
– “This is the most expensive car in the showroom.”
Irregular Adjectives
Not all adjectives follow the standard rules for forming comparatives and superlatives. Some adjectives are irregular, and their comparative and superlative forms must be memorized. Here are a few common irregular adjectives:
– Good
– Comparative: better
– Superlative: best
– Examples:
– “She is a better student than her brother.”
– “She is the best student in her class.”
– Bad
– Comparative: worse
– Superlative: worst
– Examples:
– “His handwriting is worse than mine.”
– “This is the worst day of my life.”
– Far
– Comparative: farther/further
– Superlative: farthest/furthest
– Examples:
– “She can run farther than her friends.”
– “This is the farthest I have ever traveled.”
Common Mistakes with Degrees of Comparison
While learning and using degrees of comparison, it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
1. Double Comparatives and Superlatives
Avoid using double comparatives and superlatives. For example, saying “more better” or “most smartest” is incorrect. Use “better” or “smartest” alone.
Incorrect: “She is more better at math than me.”
Correct: “She is better at math than me.”
2. Incorrect Forms
Using the wrong form of an adjective for its comparative or superlative degree is another common mistake. Remember the rules for forming these degrees based on syllable count.
Incorrect: “This is the beautifullest garden I have seen.”
Correct: “This is the most beautiful garden I have seen.”
3. Using “More” and “Most” with One-Syllable Adjectives
For one-syllable adjectives, avoid using “more” and “most.” Instead, use “-er” and “-est.”
Incorrect: “He is more tall than his brother.”
Correct: “He is taller than his brother.”
Practice and Application
The best way to master degrees of comparison is through practice. Here are some exercises to help you become more comfortable with using comparative and superlative adjectives.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the sentences with the correct form of the adjective in parentheses.
1. This book is __________ (interesting) than the one I read last week.
2. She is the __________ (smart) student in the class.
3. His house is __________ (big) than mine.
4. This is the __________ (good) cake I have ever tasted.
5. The weather today is __________ (bad) than yesterday.
Exercise 2: Rewrite the Sentences
Rewrite the sentences using the correct form of the adjectives.
1. This movie is more exciting than that one. (exciting)
2. She is the most talented singer in the competition. (talented)
3. His car is more fast than mine. (fast)
4. This is the most amazing experience of my life. (amazing)
5. She is more happier now than she was last year. (happy)
Exercise 3: Create Your Own Sentences
Create your own sentences using the positive, comparative, and superlative degrees of the following adjectives:
1. Tall
2. Expensive
3. Funny
4. Difficult
5. Bright
Adjectives in Context
Understanding how to use adjectives with degrees of comparison in context is crucial for effective communication. Let’s look at some examples in different scenarios:
Describing People
When describing people, adjectives can help convey detailed information about their appearance, personality, and abilities.
– “John is taller than Mike, but Tom is the tallest of them all.”
– “She is more intelligent than her peers, and she is the most intelligent student in the class.”
– “He is a funny guy, but his brother is funnier, and their father is the funniest in the family.”
Describing Places
Adjectives are also useful for describing places, giving a sense of their qualities and characteristics.
– “Paris is a beautiful city, but I find Rome more beautiful. However, Venice is the most beautiful city I have ever visited.”
– “This park is clean, but the one downtown is cleaner. The park near the beach is the cleanest of all.”
Describing Objects
When describing objects, adjectives help provide a clearer image of their attributes.
– “This phone is expensive, but that one is more expensive. The latest model is the most expensive of them all.”
– “The blue dress is pretty, the red dress is prettier, but the green dress is the prettiest.”
Conclusion
Adjectives with degrees of comparison are a powerful tool in the English language. They allow us to compare and contrast qualities, providing a richer and more detailed description of nouns. By understanding the rules for forming comparative and superlative adjectives and practicing their use, you can enhance your language skills and communicate more effectively.
Remember to watch out for common mistakes, such as double comparatives and superlatives, and using the incorrect forms. With practice and application, you’ll become more confident in using adjectives with degrees of comparison, making your descriptions more vivid and precise. So, keep practicing and exploring the fascinating world of adjectives, and soon you’ll master this essential aspect of the English language.
