The positive degree of an adjective is its simple form. It is used to denote the mere existence of some quality. Adjectives in the positive degree are used when no comparison is made. The degree of comparison of an adjective describes the relational value of one thing with something in another clause of a sentence. The comparative degree of an adjective is used to compare the quality with that of another of its kind; and the superlative degree is used to compare the quality with many or all others.
- Tim runs fast.
- Tim runs faster than Jack.
- Peter runs fastest among his friends.
In sentence 1, the adjective fast says something about Tim. In sentence 2, the adjective faster compares Tim’s speed with that of Jack. In sentence 3, the adjective fastest compares Peter’s speeds with that of his friends.
Formation of comparative degree
The comparative form of an adjective can be formed using following rules:
– By adding the ‘-er’ in the end to the single syllable adjectives.
Examples:
hard – harder
slow – slower
– The consonant is doubled if the adjective ends with a vowel and a consonant.
Examples:
hot – hotter
big – bigger
– If a two-syllable word ends with ‘-y’, it is replaced with ‘-ier’
Examples:
healthy – healthier
pretty – prettier
– Word ‘more’ is placed before the multi-syllable adjective and adverbs ending in ‘-ly’.
Examples:
more prone
more expensive
more seriously
more slowly
– Some adjectives and adverbs are exceptions of these rules:
Examples:
good – better
bad – worse
Formation of Superlative degree
– By adding ‘-est’ in the end of one-syllable words.
Examples:
long- longest
tall – tallest
– By placing ‘the most’ before the multi-syllable words.
Examples:
expensive – the most expensive
famous – the most famous
– Some adjectives and adverbs are exceptions.
Examples:
Good – the best
Bad – the worst
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