Page 33 - English Grammar - 7

pale paler palest
white whiter whitest

When the positive degree ends with -y, we drop the -y, and add -ier to form the
comparative and -iest to form the superlative.

Positive Comparative Superlative

costly costlier costliest
dry drier driest

wealthy wealthier wealthiest

When the positive degree ends with a consonant and is preceded by a vowel, we double
the consonant, and add -er to form the comparative and -est to form the superlative.

Positive Comparative Superlative
dim dimmer dimmest

sad sadder saddest
thin thinner thinnest
When adjectives of two or more syllables do not end in -y or -er, we add more to form the

comparative and most to form the superlative.

Positive Comparative Superlative
brilliant more brilliant most brilliant

splendid more splendid most splendid

immense more immense most immense
Some adjectives change completely to form the comparative and the superlative degrees.

They are known as irregular adjectives.

Positive Comparative Superlative
bad/ill worse worst

good/well better best

late later latest
little less least

much/many more most

Practice Time 4 Adjectives

A. In each set of degrees of comparison, one sentence is provided. Frame the other two sentences.

1. Positive: Iron is a useful metal.
Comparative: _______________________________________________________
Superlative: _______________________________________________________
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