Free GMAT Course > Sentence Correction > Seven Error Types > 6. Comparisons > C. Comparative / Superlative
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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