Advanced Comparatives and Superlatives
When we want to compare two or more things, we often use comparatives and superlatives. These forms help us describe the differences in size, quantity, quality, or any other characteristic between different objects, people, or places. Let’s delve deeper into advanced comparatives and superlatives.
Comparatives
Comparatives are used to compare two things. They are formed by adding “-er” to an adjective or by using the words “more” or “less” before the adjective. Here are some examples:
Adjective | Comparative |
---|---|
Big | Bigger |
Fast | Faster |
Intelligent | More intelligent |
Beautiful | More beautiful |
When comparing two things, we use the word “than” to introduce the second thing being compared. For instance:
The red car is bigger than the blue car.
John is more intelligent than Mark.
Superlatives
Superlatives are used to compare three or more things. They are formed by adding “-est” to an adjective or by using the words “most” or “least” before the adjective. Here are some examples:
Adjective | Superlative |
---|---|
Tall | Tallest |
Fast | Fastest |
Intelligent | Most intelligent |
Beautiful | Most beautiful |
Superlatives are often used when we want to express that something or someone has the highest degree of a certain quality. For example:
Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world.
Sarah is the most intelligent student in the class.
Practice Exercises
Now, let’s practice using advanced comparatives and superlatives. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate form of the given adjective:
Exercise 1
1. This book is ______ (interesting) than the one I read last week.
2. My brother is ______ (tall) than me.
3. The new smartphone is ______ (expensive) than the previous model.
4. This is the ______ (difficult) exam I’ve ever taken.
Exercise 2
1. Paris is ______ (beautiful) city I have ever visited.
2. Elephants are ______ (intelligent) animals on Earth.
3. This car is ______ (fast) than the one I used to own.
4. The red dress is ______ (expensive) than the blue one.
Answers
Exercise 1
1. This book is more interesting than the one I read last week.
2. My brother is taller than me.
3. The new smartphone is more expensive than the previous model.
4. This is the most difficult exam I’ve ever taken.
Exercise 2
1. Paris is the most beautiful city I have ever visited.
2. Elephants are the most intelligent animals on Earth.
3. This car is faster than the one I used to own.
4. The red dress is more expensive than the blue one.
With these exercises, you can now confidently use advanced comparatives and superlatives in your writing and conversations. Remember to pay attention to the rules and practice regularly to improve your skills. Keep up the great work!