Learn how to compare things using adjectives - positive, comparative, and superlative degrees. Perfect for Class 6-8 students. Master comparison rules with clear examples.
1. What are Degrees of Comparison?
Degrees of comparison show different levels of quality, quantity, or manner using adjectives.
| Degree | Use | Example | Comparison Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Positive | Describe one thing | Rohan is tall. | No comparison |
| Comparative | Compare two things | Rohan is taller than Sam. | Two things compared |
| Superlative | Compare three or more | Rohan is the tallest in class. | Highest degree |
2. Regular Comparison (One/Two Syllables)
| Positive | Comparative (+ -er) | Superlative (+ -est) | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| tall | taller | tallest | He is tall. He is taller than her. He is the tallest. |
| small | smaller | smallest | A small ball. A smaller ball. The smallest ball. |
| fast | faster | fastest | A fast car. A faster car. The fastest car. |
| big | bigger | biggest | Double consonant + -er/-est |
| happy | happier | happiest | Change y to i + -er/-est |
3. Irregular Comparison (Special Forms)
| Positive | Comparative | Superlative | Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| good | better | best | Completely different forms |
| bad | worse | worst | Completely different forms |
| far | farther/further | farthest/furthest | Two forms with slightly different meanings |
| little | less | least | Quantity comparison |
| much/many | more | most | Quantity comparison |
4. Long Adjectives (Use 'more/most')
| Positive | Comparative (more + adj) | Superlative (most + adj) | Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| beautiful | more beautiful | most beautiful | 3+ syllables → more/most |
| intelligent | more intelligent | most intelligent | 4 syllables → more/most |
| interesting | more interesting | most interesting | 4 syllables → more/most |
| expensive | more expensive | most expensive | 3 syllables → more/most |
| important | more important | most important | 3 syllables → more/most |
5. Rules Summary
| Rule | Comparative | Superlative | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 syllable | add -er | add -est | tall → taller → tallest |
| 2 syllables ending -y | y → i + -er | y → i + -est | happy → happier → happiest |
| 2 syllables (others) | more + adj OR -er | most + adj OR -est | clever → cleverer/more clever |
| 3+ syllables | more + adjective | most + adjective | beautiful → more beautiful |
| Irregular | Special form | Special form | good → better → best |
6. Using Comparisons Correctly
| Use | Structure | Example | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compare two | comparative + than | She is taller than me. | Use "than" after comparative |
| Compare three+ | the + superlative | He is the tallest boy. | Use "the" before superlative |
| Equal comparison | as + adj + as | She is as tall as her brother. | For equal qualities |
| Not equal | not as + adj + as | He is not as tall as his father. | For unequal qualities |
| Negative comparison | less + adj + than | This is less important than that. | Opposite of "more" |
7. Quick Practice (5 Questions)
8. Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Wrong ❌ | Right ✅ | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| She is more tall than me. | She is taller than me. | 1 syllable → -er, not "more" |
| He is the most tall. | He is the tallest. | 1 syllable → -est, not "most" |
| This is gooder than that. | This is better than that. | Irregular: good → better |
| She is tallest in class. | She is the tallest in class. | Superlative needs "the" |
| He is more better than me. | He is better than me. | No double comparison |
🏆 Comparison Challenge
Fill in the correct degree of comparison:
Positive: big
Comparative: bigger
Superlative: biggest
Positive: good
Comparative: better
Superlative: best
Positive: beautiful
Comparative: more beautiful
Superlative: most beautiful
Highlight the dark blue areas to see answers
9. Memory Aids & Tips
Syllable Rule:
Count syllables on fingers:
1 syllable → -er/-est (tall → taller → tallest)
2 syllables ending -y → -ier/-iest (happy → happier)
2+ syllables (others) → more/most (famous → more famous)
3+ syllables → always more/most (beautiful → more beautiful)
Must Remember Irregulars:
good → better → best
bad → worse → worst
far → farther/further → farthest/furthest
little → less → least
many/much → more → most
Comparison Words:
Comparative → use "than"
Superlative → use "the"
Equal → use "as...as"
Not equal → use "not as...as" or "less...than"
Exam Tip:
1. Count syllables first
2. Check if irregular
3. Comparative for two things
4. Superlative for three+ things
5. Don't use both -er and more together
📝 Practice Degrees of Comparison
Test with our 25-question worksheet!
Download Comparison WorksheetIncludes answer key • All rules • Irregular forms • Printable PDF
