Comparing Things
Use comparatives to compare two things. Use superlatives to say which one in a group is the most extreme. The rules depend on how many syllables the adjective has.
Formation Rules
Short (1 syllable) → -er / -est
fast → faster → fastest
tall → taller → tallest
old → older → oldest
tall → taller → tallest
old → older → oldest
1 syllable ending in e → -r / -st
nice → nicer → nicest
large → larger → largest
large → larger → largest
CVC → double consonant + -er/-est
big → bigger → biggest
hot → hotter → hottest
thin → thinner → thinnest
hot → hotter → hottest
thin → thinner → thinnest
2 syllables ending in -y → -ier/-iest
happy → happier → happiest
easy → easier → easiest
busy → busier → busiest
easy → easier → easiest
busy → busier → busiest
Long (2+ syllables) → more / most
beautiful → more beautiful → most beautiful
expensive → more expensive → most expensive
expensive → more expensive → most expensive
Irregular (must memorise)
good → better → best
bad → worse → worst
far → further → furthest
bad → worse → worst
far → further → furthest
Examples
My car is faster than yours.
Comparing 2 things → than
This is the most expensive restaurant in the city.
Superlative → the + most
She is better than me at chess.
Irregular: good → better
He is the tallest person in the room.
Superlative → the + -est
✗ Wrong
She is more taller than me.
Never mix -er AND more!
✓ Correct
She is taller than me.
Short adjective: only -er
💡 Memory Hack
Count the syllables on your fingers
Say the adjective out loud and count syllables on your fingers. 1 finger (fast, big, tall) → add -er/-est. 2+ fingers (beautiful, expensive, interesting) → use more/most. Words ending in -y (happy, busy) are the exception — they look like 2 syllables but use -ier/-iest like 1-syllable words.