What are adjectives?
Adjectives are words that describe nouns. They tell more about a person, place, thing, or idea by explaining what kind, how many, or which one.
- The blue car is fast.
- She has three pencils.
- We saw a happy puppy.
Adjectives make sentences clearer and more interesting by adding detail to nouns.
Adjectives used to compare two things
When you compare two people, places, animals, or things, you often add -er to the adjective or use the word more before it.
- My backpack is lighter than yours.
- This road is longer than that one.
- This puzzle is more exciting than the last puzzle.
Use -er for many short adjectives, and use more with many longer adjectives.
Adjectives used to compare three or more things
When you compare three or more items, you often add -est to the adjective or use the word most before it.
- This is the biggest cookie on the plate.
- She is the fastest runner in the class.
- That is the most colorful painting in the room.
Use -est for many short adjectives, and use most with many longer adjectives.
Irregular comparing adjectives
Some adjectives change spelling completely when they are used to compare. These do not follow the regular -er and -est pattern.
- good → better → best
- bad → worse → worst
- many → more → most
Because these are irregular, they must be learned and practiced carefully.
Using comparing adjectives in sentences
Adjectives that compare help readers understand differences between people, places, and things in clear ways.
- My brother is taller than I am.
- This is the sweetest apple I have ever tasted.
- That book is more interesting than the other one.
Always check that your adjective matches what you are comparing and that your sentence sounds clear and correct.