ENJOY LEARNING: octubre 2017

We started the unit 2 so, if you want to practice the grammar point we recommend you take a look at this explanation.

Comparative/superlative

Comparative is the name for the grammar used when comparing two things.

This computer is better than that one.
She's stronger at chess than I am.
It's much colder today than it was yesterday.
Our car is bigger than your car.
This grammar topic is easier than most others.
I find science more difficult than mathematics.
Today's ESL lesson was more interesting than usual.

When comparing with than some changes are necessary, depending on the number of syllables the adjective has:

1- syllable adjectives: add -er to the adjective

My sister is much taller than me.
It's colder today than it was yesterday.

Note: If the word ends: consonant-vowel-consonant, then the last consonant is usually doubled in the comparative. Examples: big-bigger, fat-fatter, hot-hotter.
2-syllable adjectives ending in -y: change the -y to -ier

She's looking happier today.
This grammar topic is easier than the last one.
Why is everyone else luckier than me?

Other 2-syllable adjectives: use more with the unchanged adjective

The shops are always more crowded just before Christmas.
Is there anything more boring than reading about grammar?
My sister is more careful with her writing than I am with mine.

Note: The comparative of some shorter 2-syllable adjectives can be formed with -er.
Examples: simple-simpler, clever-cleverer, narrow-narrower. To be sure which comparative method to use, you will need to consult a good dictionary.

Adjectives with 3 or more syllables: use more with the unchanged adjective

Russian grammar is more difficult than English grammar.
My sister is much more intelligent than me.
I find maths lessons more enjoyable than science lessons.
The older you get, the more irritating you become.

In the superlative you talk about one thing only and how it is the best, worst, etc. You do not compare two things. The following guidelines apply to the superlative:

1-syllable adjectives: add -est to the adjective (plus the)

My sister is the tallest in our family.
Yesterday was the coldest day of the year so far.

Note: If the word ends: consonant-vowel-consonant, then the last consonant is usually doubled in the superlative. Examples: big-biggest, fat-fattest, hot-hottest.
2-syllable adjectives ending in -y: change the -y to -iest (plus the)

The richest people are not always the happiest.
Which do you think is the easiest language to learn?
She's the luckiest person I know.

Other 2-syllable adjectives: use the most with the unchanged adjective

The most boring thing about ESL class is doing grammar exercises.
My sister is the most careful person I know.

Note: The superlative of some shorter 2-syllable adjectives can be formed with -er. Examples: simple-simplest, clever-cleverest, narrow-narrowest. To be sure which superlative method to use, you will need to consult a good dictionary.

Adjectives with 3 or more syllables: use the most with the unchanged adjective