Adjectives and adverbs ending in -er or modified by the word more compare two items and ate known as comparative.
Adjectives or adverbs ending in -est or modified by the word most compare three or more items and are known as superlative.
Normally, -er and -est are added to one-syllable words.
-er and -est are added to two-syllable words unless the new word sounds awkward.
Correct: Everest is taller than Annapurna.
Incorrect: Everest is the taller of the three peaks.
(Three or more requires superlative.)Correct: Annapurna is the tallest of the three peaks.
Correct: fairer prettier handsomestAwkward: famousest readier
Correct: most famous more ready
Use the modifiers more or most with all root words longer than two syllables as well as with Continue reading “Comparatives and Superlatives”