Some comparison words are just special forms of adjectives: instead of describing one thing, they describe the relationship between two or more things.

For most adjectives, use the following guidelines when forming or using comparatives or superlatives:

Comparative:

  • used when comparing two things (including groups)
  • usually formed by adding “–er” to the end of the word: happier, softer, faster, taller

Superlative:

  • used when comparing more than two things
  • usually formed by adding “–est” to the end of the word: happiest, softest, fastest, tallest

Special rules apply for irregular forms. Below is a list of adjectives that have irregular comparative forms; beneath each is listed its comparative and superlative form.

good
better / best
many
more / most
bad
worse / worst
little
little, lesser, less / least
much
more / most
far
farther, further / farthest, furthest
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