Adverbs, Adjectives in Comparisons
Most comparisons are made my using different forms of adverbs and adjectives. The degree of the comparison is indicated by the ending (-er, -est) or the use of the words more, most, less, or least.
When describing one noun, you should use the adverb or adjective in the positive form, as in “She is pretty.” To then make a comparison between two nouns, you would use the comparative form, as is “She is prettier.” Or to make a comparison among three or more nouns, you would use the superlative form, as in “She is prettiest.”
To form the comparative or superlative forms of one-syllable words, add -er or -est to the positive form of the word. To form the comparative or superlative forms of most two-syllable words, use more, most, less, or least.
Try It!
Correct the faulty comparisons in the following sentences.
1. Ross is a lot more rich than his brother.
2. Although both Stephen King and Tom Clancy write thriller books, King is the best storyteller.
3. Because there are two topics to write on, Bill chose the easiest one.
4. This is by far the greater dinner I have ever eaten.
5. Sarah is about the forgetfulest person I have ever met.