Comparatives & Superlatives Three Dimensions
By: Juan José Castaño and Juliana Montoya

Use

Comparatives

Comparative adjectives are used to compare differences between the two objects they modify; they are used in sentences where two nouns are compared

Superlatives

Superlative adjectives are used to describe an object which is at the upper or lower limit of a quality. They are used in sentences where a subject is compared to a group of objects.

Form

Comparatives

Adjectives with 2 syllables or less

Subject + Verb to be + Adjective(er) + THAN + Noun

Superlatives

Adjectives with 3 syllables or
more

Subject + Verb to be + MORE + Adjective + THAN + Noun

Meaning

Comparatives

The form of an adjective or adverb that expresses a difference in amount, number, degree, or quality.

Superlatives

The form of an adjective or adverb that expresses that the thing or person being described has more of the particular quality than anything or anyone else of the same type.