In this lesson, we are discussing polysyllabic Adjectives that end in “y”. But, don’t stress over the term “polysyllabic.” It simply means a word that possesses more than one counted beat. Water is a perfect example of a polysyllabic word: wa + ter.
As you may know, adjectives are used to describe a Noun. “Happy people” is an example of an Adjective + Noun grouping.
Why do I need to use Comparative and Superlative Adjectives? These words compare two or more objects. For example, there are 3 old men standing in a row. They are grumpy, grumpier, and grumpiest. Pay attention to the word’s final syllable, it slightly changes between Comparative and Superlative Adjectives.

How to construct a Comparative Adjective
If the word ends in y how do I make it comparative? If the word ends in “y”, drop the “y” and add “ier”. For example:
lucky becomes luckier
healthy becomes healthier
sappy becomes sappier
How to construct Superlative Adjectives
If the word ends in ‘y’ how do I make it comparative? Superlatives are the highest form of compliment or insult, the top of the hierarchy. Whereas, Comparative Adjectives are the middle road. To create a Superlative Adjective, drop the ‘y’ and add “iest”. Here are a few examples:
lazy becomes laziest
funny becomes funniest
wordy becomes wordiest
Examples of Comparative and Superlative Adjectives
Pauline is happier than most people I know.
My mother wakes up earliest in my family.
Let’s practice
Q1: What are the comparative and superlative forms of pretty?
Answer: Prettier and Prettiest.
What are the comparative and superlative forms of friendly?
Answer: Friendlier and Friendliest.
Try making your own sentence.
Q2: Are your weekends or weekdays busier?
Q3: Who is funniest among your friends?
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