Comparatives and superlatives

Start with the distinction

This page brings together resources on comparative and superlative adjectives. The notes titled Comparatives and Superlatives introduce the positive, comparative and superlative forms of adjectives. They are a useful starting point if you want to see how the forms relate before working through examples.

The flashcards with the same title describe comparatives as a way to compare nouns, including people, objects and animals. They also introduce superlatives when comparing more than two things. Read the notes first, then use the cards to go over the distinction.

Follow the forms

The Comparative and Superlative Adjectives mind map explains how one-syllable adjectives can take -er for the comparative and -est for the superlative. The Comparative and Superlative mind map also gives the example old and older. Look at these alongside the notes to connect a rule with an example.

The flowchart titled Comparatives and superlatives starts by asking whether an adjective is short or long. It also covers doubling the last consonant in an example spelling pattern. Follow its branches after looking at the mind maps, then use the flashcards that ask for comparative or superlative forms to practice.

Combine a map and a quiz

Once you have explored the forms, try the animal comparison questions in the quiz near the top of the page. Use a mind map before the quiz to organize the rules, then return to it afterward to check any form you found difficult. The listed quizzes and maps offer different ways to work on the same topic.

Comparatives and superlatives is a section of the Adjectives unit in English language. The resources here let you focus on this section while keeping the adjective forms together. Choose a map and a quiz to use as a study pair.