In English grammar, adjectives change their form when they are used to compare one noun to another. These changes are called the Degrees of Comparison. There are three degrees: Positive, Comparative, and Superlative.
Positive: Base form, no comparison.
Comparative: Compares 2 things (Uses -er or 'more').
Superlative: Compares 3+ things (Uses -est or 'most').
Irregular adjectives change completely (Good -> Better -> Best).
This is the base form of the adjective. It is used when no comparison is being made. It simply describes a noun.
This degree is used when comparing exactly two things or two people. We usually add '-er' to the adjective or use 'more' before it. We almost always use the word 'than' after it.
This degree is used when comparing three or more things (a group). It shows the highest or lowest degree of a quality. We add '-est' or use 'most'. We almost always use the article 'the' before a superlative adjective.
| Positive | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|---|---|
| Big | Bigger | Biggest |
| Fast | Faster | Fastest |
| Happy | Happier | Happiest |
| Beautiful | More beautiful | Most beautiful |
| Good | Better | Best (Irregular) |
| Bad | Worse | Worst (Irregular) |
The three degrees of comparison for adjectives are the Positive degree, the Comparative degree, and the Superlative degree.
An example is: 'A cheetah is faster than a lion.' Here, 'faster' is the comparative degree of 'fast'.
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