Adjectives and adverbs can be used to make comparisons to show what is different or similar about two or more things. There are three kinds of possible comparisons: equal, comparative and superlative.
Equal Comparison
An adjective or adverb is used to show that two things are equal in some way. The form used to make this kind of comparison is better known as a correlative conjunction and uses "as" on either side of the adjective or adverb.
Adjective Examples:
- Our boss is as friendly as yours.
- Her vacation lasted as long as her boyfriend's vacation.
Adverb Examples:
- He works as efficiently as you.
- His computer can download files as quickly as their computer does.
Comparative
To show a difference between two things, the comparative form must be used. Generally, a one syllable adjective will take the ending "-er" while those of two or more syllables will be preceded by the word "more". Nearly all adverbs are two syllables and take "more". Adjectives ending in "-y" are changed to "-ier", although sometimes using "more" before them can sound appropriate. For both adjectives and adverbs, the word "than" often follows.
Comparative Adjective Examples:
- My bike is newer than yours.
- I thought this test was going to be more difficult than last time.
- She is definitely prettier with her hair shorter.
Comparative Adverb Examples:
- He plays the piano much more quickly than I do.
- If he studied more diligently, he would have a better chance of passing.
- When he tries harder, he is always thankful afterwards.
Superlative
To show a difference between three or more things, the superlative form must be used. Generally, a one syllable adjective will take the ending "-est" while those of two or more syllables will be preceded by the word "most". Nearly all adverbs are two syllables and take "most". Adjectives ending in "-y" are changed to "-iest", although sometimes using "most" before them can sound appropriate. For both adjectives and adverbs, the word "the" nearly always precedes "most".
Superlative Adjective Examples:
- This is the hottest summer on record.
- The most modern part of the city is usually the richest.
- Her eyes were the bluest I'd ever seen.
Superlative Adverb Examples:
- He goes to school the most often of all his classmates.
- Of all people I know, Bill talks the loudest.
- A star can shine the most brightly before dying.
Absolute
Some adjectives and adverbs are absolute and they do not have a comparative form because they cannot show a greater or lesser amount. Some of these words are perfect, unique, dead, impossible, and infinite.
Absolute Adjective and Adverb Examples:
- He is the most unique leader the country has ever known.
- After the accident, it was clear that he was dead and hadn't survived.
- He has never been to New York, but he's always wanted to go.
- The professor said he had completed his assignment perfectly.
Exercise
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