Degrees of Comparison

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English adjectives and adverbs commonly distinguish three degrees: the positive (the basic form), the comparative (expressing a higher degree than is present in something else) and the superlative (expressing a maximal degree).

Comparative and superlative adjectives: formation

The comparative is formed with -er or more; the superlative is formed with -est or most. One syllable adjectives like big and fast tend to prefer -er and -est. Larger ones like beautiful and carefully take more and most.

• John is tall.
• John is taller than Peter.
• John is the tallest man I know.
• Susie drives carefully.
• Susie drives more carefully than Alice.
• Susie drives the most carefully of anybody in Paris.

Sections in this article

Degrees of Comparison
Comparison using positive adjectives and adverbs
Comparison using comparative adjectives and adverbs
Comparison using superlative adjectives and adverbs
The difference between comparative and superlative
Degree modifiers with comparatives and superlatives
Special structures used for comparing
Making comparisons
Comparison of adjectives and adverbs
Pronouns after as and than

See also

Introduction To Adverbs
Formation of Adverbs
Adjectives or Adverbs - Confusing Cases
Adverbs of Certainty
Adverbs of Degree
Adverbs of Indefinite Frequency
Adverbs of Manner
Adverbs of Place
Adverbs of Time and Definite Frequency
Focusing Adverbs