Comparatives and superlatives

Unit 2. Grammar

Comparatives and Superlatives

2

What are the comparatives and superlatives?

The comparatives and superlatives are structures that can be used with …

Adjectives

Examples: big small beautiful

boringexciting intelligent

3

First step

We need to know how many syllables an adjective has.

Examples: big small

beautiful boringexciting intelligent

4

COMPARATIVES

Adjectives with one syllable

Adjective + ER thanEx. Mary is (tall) taller than Peter

Adjectives with two syllables

Boring X boringer √ more boringFunny X more funny √ funnier

Adjectives with more than two syllables

Adjective + MORE + adjective + thanEx. Mary is more intelligent than PeterX Mary is intelligenter than Peter

We use the comparative structure to compare two persons / things / animals… (A – B)

5

SUPERLATIVESWe use the superlative structure to say that one object / person / etc. stands out (catalan translation: el més + adjectiu)

Adjectives with one syllable

the + adjective + ESTEx. Mary is (tall) the tallest girl in the class

Adjectives with two syllables

Boring X the boringest √ the most boringFunny X the most funny √ the funniest

Adjectives with more than two syllables

the + MOST + adjective Ex. Mary is the most intelligent girl in the classX Mary is the intelligentest girl in the class

6

Exceptions

7

ExercisesWrite the comparative and superlative form of these adjectives:

Old Large

Strong Serious

Happy Pretty

Modern Crowded

Important Bad

Good Proud

8

Let’s compare…

Justin Bieber and Pitbull

9

Exercises