Page 24 - Grammar Glow - 8

Formation of the Comparatives and Superlatives

Forming the degrees of comparison of the given adjectives

Positive Comparative Superlative

bold bolder boldest

deep deeper deepest

high higher highest
strong stronger strongest

thick thicker thickest

weak weaker weakest

Rule 1. From the above, we learn that the comparative degree is generally formed by
adding –er to the positive and the superlative by adding –est to the positive form.
Forming the Degrees of Comparison of the given Adjectives

Positive Comparative Superlative

able abler ablest
brave braver bravest

fine finer finest

noble nobler noblest
true truer truest

wise wiser wisest

Rule 2. When the positive degree ends in –e, only –r and –st are added to form the
comparative and superlative degree.

Forming the degrees of comparison of the given adjectives

Positive Comparative Superlative

big bigger biggest

fit fitter fittest
hot hotter hottest

sad sadder saddest

thin thinner thinnest

wet wetter wettest

Rule 3. When the positive degree ends in one consonant and the consonant is preceded
by a short vowel, the final consonant is doubled, and –er and –est are added to form the
comparative and superlative degree.

22
22