Page 45 - English Grammar - 8

When the positive degree ends in -e, we add -r to form the comparative and -st to form the
superlative.

Positive Comparative Superlative
noble nobler noblest

pale paler palest
white whiter whitest

safe safer safest

wise wiser wisest

When the positive degree ends in -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

breezy breezier breeziest

dirty dirtier dirtiest
When the positive degree ends in 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

slim slimmer slimmest
glad gladder gladdest

When the 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 Adjectives

difficult more difficult most difficult

handsome more handsome most handsome
Some adjectives change completely to form the comparative and the superlative degrees.
They are known as irregular adjectives.

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