When we describe the appearance of people or things, we often compare them to others to give meaning and context to what we are saying.

 

When we compare two different things, we use comparative adjectives.

My puppy was smaller (comparative) than Kate's.  

 

When we compare three or more things then we use superlative adjectives.

 

 

My puppy was the smallest (superlative) of the three dogs and Kate's was the biggest (superlative).

 

We often form comparative and superlative adjectives by adding er and est.

thin (adjective)          thinner (comparative)     thinnest (superlative)  

heavy (adjective)      heavier (comparative)     heaviest (superlative)   

 

However, if an adjective has three syllables or more, then we use the words 'more' and 'most' instead.

intelligent (adjective)     more intelligent (comparative)    most intelligent (superlative)

 

Adjectives with two syllables are more difficult because they can follow either rule.

 

Most adjectives ending in -y, -le and -ow add 'er' and 'est'.

noisy    noisier   noisiest

gentle   gentler   gentlest

narrow   narrower   narrowest

 

Other two-syllable adjectives that do not end with a -y, -le and -ow add 'more' and 'most' before.

careful   more careful   most careful

anxious   more anxious   most anxious

 

Some adjectives don't follow the rules at all!

good   better   best

bad   worse   worst

 

 

Let's start those questions now!