English · A2 · grammar · 4 minutes
Comparatives and superlatives
Compare two things and identify extremes with short/long adjective patterns.
Understand the choice
Comparison form depends on adjective shape and lexical irregularity. Keep the two sides parallel and distinguish comparing two from ranking a whole group.
Core rule: Short adjectives usually add -er/-est; longer ones use more/most; comparatives take than and superlatives usually the.
Notice it in context
The train is faster than the bus, but the bicycle is the cheapest.
El tren es más rápido que el autobús, pero la bicicleta es la más barata.
Faster uses -er + than; the cheapest uses the + -est.
My room is larger and more comfortable than yours.
My room has more size and comfort than your room.
Larger is short pattern; more comfortable long pattern.
This is the best option but the worst location.
No option is better, but no location is worse.
Good/bad use irregular best/worst.
What to remember
- Good→better→best; bad→worse→worst; far→farther/further.
- Equality uses as + adjective + as.
Common trap: Do not combine more with an -er comparative: more faster.