Comparatives and Superlatives

Do you ever need to compare Nouns? Do you have a brother? Does he tower over you? If so, he is taller. 

Making a Noun comparative is easy. Just add ‘r’ or ‘er’ to the end of a monosyllabic Noun and it’s suddenly a Comparative Adjective. 

Note: Don’t let the word “monosyllabic” frighten you. Simply, a syllable is a unit of speech that contains a vowel surrounded by consonants. For example, tall is a monosyllabic word. Of course the words “a” and “I” are also monosyllabic words. 

Here’s the rule, if the word ends in a consonant add ”er”. For example, tall becomes taller. But, if the word ends with the vowel e, add r.  For example, late becomes later. There are comparatively fewer of these Nouns. 

In language, a superlative is the utmost praise or disapproval that can be given. For example, “my car is the fastest.” There’s nothing faster than the “fastest.” And so, when comparing 3 items, Superlative Adjectives describe the best or worst.

Superlative Adjectives are constructed by adding ‘st’ or ‘est’ to the end of a Noun. In fact, both Comparative Nouns and Superlative Nouns are constructed the same way. Simply add either ‘st’ or ‘iest’ to the final vowel of a consonant.

Here are a few examples:

Examples of Comparative and Superlative Adjectives

He is wiser than his friend. 

The building is the tallest in our town. 

Let’s practice 

Q1: What are the comparative and superlative forms of high? 

Answer: Higher and Highest. 

What are the comparative and superlative forms of small? 

Answer: Smaller and Smallest. 

 Try making your own sentence.

Q2: Which animal is faster than a rabbit? 

Q3: Which is the coldest region in your country?

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