Degrees of comparison in English grammar
The Positive
Degree
The positive degree is the basic form of an adjective or adverb. It describes something without comparing it to anything else.
Examples:
- "The book is interesting." (Adjective:
interesting)
- "She runs fast." (Adverb: fast)
Here, we're just stating a fact. No comparison is involved.
This is the simplest way to describe a noun or action.
The Comparative
Degree
The comparative degree compares two things. It shows which
one has more or less of a quality. To form it, add "-er" to short
adjectives (like big → bigger) or use "more" with longer ones (like
interesting → more interesting). For adverbs, it's similar: fast → faster, or
carefully → more carefully.
Examples:
- "This apple is bigger than that one." (Comparing
two apples)
- "He runs faster than his brother." (Comparing
two people)
We often use "than" to connect the two items.
Remember, for irregular adjectives like good (better) or bad (worse), the rules
change a bit.
The Superlative
Degree
The superlative degree compares more than two things,
showing the highest or lowest level. Add "-est" to short adjectives
(big → biggest) or use "most" for longer ones (interesting → most
interesting). For adverbs: fast → fastest, or carefully → most carefully.
Examples:
- "This is the biggest apple in the basket."
(Comparing many apples)
- "She runs the fastest in the class." (Comparing
a group)
We usually add "the" before the superlative, and
sometimes "in" or "of" to specify the group.
Rules and Tips
- Short vs. Long Words: If the adjective has one syllable
(e.g., tall), add -er/-est. For two syllables ending in -y (e.g., happy →
happier), do the same. For others, use more/most.
- Irregular Forms: Some don't follow rules: good → better → best; bad → worse → worst; far → farther/farthest;→ further/furthest.
- Double Letters: For words like big, add -er/-est and
double the g: bigger, biggest.
- Adverbs: Many follow the same pattern, but some like
"well" become "better" and "best."
- Avoid Common Mistakes: Don't say "more bigger" –
it's redundant. Use comparative for two, superlative for more.
Degrees of comparison are everywhere in daily life. In ads,
we see "faster than ever" or "the best deal." In stories,
they add drama: "The bravest hero" or "slower than a
snail."
In summary, positive describes, comparative compares two,
and superlative tops a group. With a little practice, you'll use them
naturally. English grammar might seem tricky, but these degrees make it easier
to express ideas clearly. Keep learning, and your language skills will shine!
