Comparatives and Superlatives Adjectives that end with ‘y’

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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. 

Image representation of the above statement

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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