Lesson

Comparative and superlative forms - advanced

Complex comparative structures

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

Comparative and superlative forms — advanced

This lesson covers advanced rules and uses of comparative and superlative forms in English. You will review formation rules (short vs long adjectives), irregular forms, special patterns (y → i, doubling consonants), and higher-level uses such as emphatic comparatives, 'the + comparative', and precise business phrasing.

  • Form comparatives with -er or with 'more' depending on syllable count and style.
  • Form superlatives with -est or with 'most'; use 'the' before superlatives.
  • Learn irregular forms (good → better → best) and adverbial forms (well → better → best).
  • Advanced uses: 'far/much/much better', 'by far', 'the + comparative' for two items, and choosing the correct preposition with superlatives.

Focus on form and nuance — TOEIC often tests precise comparative structures in business contexts.

Table

Comparative & Superlative Reference

Type Rule / Pattern Example (Comparative) Example (Superlative)
One-syllable adjective Add -er / -est; double consonant if CVC cheap → cheaper: This supplier is cheaper than the other. cheap → cheapest: This is the cheapest option.
Adjective ending in -y Change y → i, add -er/-est happy → happier: The team is happier after the reorg. happy → happiest: She is the happiest employee this quarter.
Two (or more) syllables (common) Use 'more' / 'most' efficient → more efficient: Our new process is more efficient. efficient → most efficient: This is the most efficient solution.
Irregular forms Unique forms (memorize) good → better: Our results are better than last year. best: He is the best candidate for the role.
Adverbs Some adverbs change (well), others use 'more/most' quickly → more quickly: We must respond more quickly. quickly → most quickly: She finished most quickly.
Emphasis and degree Use much/far/by far + comparative for emphasis far better: This approach is far better than the previous one. by far the best: This is by far the best performing quarter.
The + comparative Compare two items: 'the more important of the two' This is the more compelling argument of the two. —

Tip

Key rule — choose -er/-est vs more/most

When deciding how to form comparatives and superlatives, focus on syllable count and clarity:

  • One-syllable adjectives → add -er/-est (smart → smarter → smartest).
  • Two-syllable adjectives: often use 'more/most', but some can take -er/-est if they sound natural (clever → cleverer / cleverest possible but 'more clever' is common in formal style).
  • Three+ syllables → use 'more' / 'most' (significant → more significant → most significant).
  • Adjectives ending in -y: change y → i (happy → happier → happiest).

When in doubt, especially in formal/business writing, 'more' and 'most' are safe choices for longer adjectives.

Example

Examples in context

Our Q2 results were stronger than expected.

The most important factor in the bid was price competitiveness.

She is far more experienced than the other candidates.

This is the highest-quality supplier we've worked with — by far.

Tip

Common mistakes

Watch for these common errors:

  • Avoid doubling degree words: incorrect 'more easier' → correct 'easier'.
  • Do not omit 'the' with superlatives in definite contexts: incorrect 'She is best candidate' → correct 'She is the best candidate.'
  • Be careful with false friends (words that look similar but differ in meaning): 'sensible' in English means 'reasonable', not 'sensitive'.
  • Do not translate comparison words literally — English uses 'than' for comparisons, not 'that'.

Practice forming comparatives and superlatives in sentences to avoid literal translation errors.

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Think about using 'more' with multi-word or hyphenated adjectives.

Quiz

Complete: Our Q3 revenue is _____ last year's.

Hint: Think of the correct comparative + preposition used for comparing amounts

Quiz

Which sentence is correct?

Hint: Remember: do not use 'most' + '-est' and include 'the' before superlatives.

Key Points

GrammarPoint

comparative

noun CEFR B1 //kəmˈpærətɪv//

A form of an adjective or adverb used to compare two things (e.g., bigger, more efficient).

This product is more reliable than the previous model.

GrammarPoint

superlative

noun CEFR B1 //suːˈpɜːrlətɪv//

A form expressing the highest degree among three or more items (e.g., biggest, most successful).

She is the most experienced member of the team.

Vocabulary

irregular

adjective CEFR B2 //ɪˈrɛɡjʊlər//

Not following standard patterns; in comparatives/superlatives some adjectives have unique forms (e.g., good → better → best).

Good is irregular: better and best are its comparative and superlative.

Expression

by far

expression CEFR B2 //baɪ fɑːr//

An intensifier used before a superlative to indicate a large margin (e.g., by far the best).

Their proposal was by far the most competitive.

Vocabulary

far (as modifier)

adverb CEFR B2 //fɑːr//

Used to intensify comparatives (e.g., far better, far more efficient).

This method is far more effective than the previous one.

GrammarPoint

more...than

phrase CEFR B1 //mɔːr ... ðæn//

Structure to compare qualities or quantities: 'more' + adjective/adverb + 'than'.

This strategy is more sustainable than the previous one.