Adjectives and adverbs can compare. The comparative compares two things: taller, more careful. The superlative compares three or more: tallest, most careful.
| Kind of word | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|---|---|
| one syllable: tall, wide, big | taller, wider, bigger | tallest, widest, biggest |
| two syllables ending in y: happy | happier | happiest |
| most longer words: careful, exciting | more careful, more exciting | most careful, most exciting |
| -ly adverbs: quickly | more quickly | most quickly |
| irregular: good, well | better | best |
| irregular: bad, badly | worse | worst |
| irregular: many, much | more | most |
| irregular: little (amount) | less | least |
Key idea
Use -er or more to compare two, and -est or most for three or more. Use one or the other, never both, and learn the irregular forms: good, better, best.
Why it works
The ending tells the reader how big the group is. “The taller twin” is one of two; “the tallest girl” stands out in a crowd.
Worked example: Two things
Of the two puppies, the brown one is (smaller / smallest).
- Two puppies: use the comparative.
Answer: Of the two puppies, the brown one is smaller.
Worked example: A long word, a group
This is the (more / most) exciting book in the series.
- A series has many books: use the superlative.
- Exciting is a long word, so use most.
Answer: This is the most exciting book in the series.
Worked example: Irregular
My second try was (more better / better) than my first.
- Better is already the comparative of good.
- Adding more doubles the comparison.
Answer: My second try was better than my first.
Common mistake
Doubling up (“more taller,” “most fastest”) or using the superlative for two (“the tallest of the twins”). Count the group: two takes -er or more; three or more takes -est or most. Then use just one marker.