Comparative form of the word badly

  • #1

badly is the positive form

what is the comparative? «More badly»
and superlative «the most badly»?

differently than : well/better/the best where it remains similar to the comparative and superlative of good?

    • #2

    According to «The Every Day Writer» and «The Canadian Writer’s Desk Reference».

    positive= bad, badly; comparative = worse; superlative = worst

    Here is a link that explains when you would use more and most:

    http://www.english4today.com/englishgrammar/grammar/ADVERBS12.cfm

    Finally, in the superlative form of some adverbs, like badly, it often sound better to switch the construction.

    i.e. He drove worse than anyone I’d ever seen.

    This phrase sounds better when you change the superlative to:

    It was the worst driving I’d ever seen. OR
    He was the worst driver I’d ever seen.

    • #3

    hi ariel66,
    the adverb «badly» has irregular forms: «worse» for the comparative and «worst» for the superlative

    baldpate


    • #4

    «I speak Italian badly, but my brother speaks it worse; however, my sister speaks it worst [of all of us].»

    The extra phrase «of all …» is another example of what flopflip was saying : we often like to add something extra to the superlative form, in order to specify the set, the whole, the entirety, of which the given example is the worst.

    Наречия никогда имеют формы сравнительной и совершенной степени путём добавления -er и -est соответственно. Их сравнительная и совершенная формы всегда образуются путём добавления more и (the) most соответственно.

    1. badly — worse — worst (Исключение, но бывают случаи, когда это badly — more badly — most badly.)
    2. responsibly — responsibly — most responsibly
    3. high — higher — the highest
    4. often — more often — most often
    5. well — better — best
    6. low — lower — lowest
    7. slowly — more slowly — most slowly
    8. far — further/farther — furthest/farthest
    9. easily — more easily — most easily
    10. seldom — more seldom — most seldom
    11. little — less — least

    According to Collins English Usage,

    Badly has another different meaning. If you need or want something
    badly, you need or want it very much: I am badly in need of
    advice; I want this job so badly; We badly need the money
    .

    For this meaning of badly, don’t use the comparative and superlative
    forms ‘worse’ and ‘worst’. Instead you use the forms more badly and
    most badly.

    Is this distinction due to its meaning «(very) much«, which already uses more/most as its comparative/superlative forms?

    asked Apr 5, 2020 at 12:15

    GJC's user avatar

    GJCGJC

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    8

    Worse and worst are the comparative and superlative forms of the adjective bad not the adverb badly. If you want to say more bad, you should use worse, but now you’re using badly. So you would need to use worsely. But worsely isn’t a word. You can’t say «I am worsely in need of money than before». So you have to use more badly.

    answered Apr 5, 2020 at 17:29

    Sujal Motagi's user avatar

    5

    how to determine the degree of comparison in adjectives

    There are three degrees of comparison of adjectives in English.

     

    PolishingComparativeSuperb

    -er / -est soft softer the softest
    -more / -most active active more active the most active

    The degrees of comparison of adjectives can be formed in two ways: using the suffixes -er and -est, or using the words more and most.

    -er and -est

    Monosyllabic adjectives, as well as disyllabic adjectives ending in -y, -e, -er, -ow, form a comparative degree by adding the suffix -er to the positive degree, and the superlative degree using the suffix -est.

    In this case, the following rules are observed:

    1. In monosyllabic adjectives ending in one consonant with the preceding short vowel, the final consonant is doubled.

    hot-hotter-the hottest — hot-hot-hottest

    2. If the adjective ends in y with a preceding consonant, then y changes to i.

    busy-busier-the busiest

    3. If there is a vowel before y, then y remains unchanged.

    gray-greyer-the greyest — gray-gray-most gray

    Your work is easier. — Your job is easier.

    It’s the biggest risk. — This is the biggest risk.

    more and most

    Polysyllabic and most disyllabic adjectives form a comparative degree using the word more — more, and the superlative degree — most — the most (most). And the lesser and the lowest degree of quality are expressed by the words less — less and least — the least.

    She is more experienced than you. “She’s more experienced than you.

    It’s the most interesting book I have ever read. — This is the most interesting book I’ve read.

    Exceptions

    Some adjectives in English do not form degrees of comparison according to general rules.

    good-better-the best — good-best-best

    bad-worse-the worst — bad-worst-worst

    little-less-the least

    far-farther-the farthest — far-farther-farthest (by distance)

    far-further-the furthest — far-more distant-furthest (in time)

    old-older-the oldest — old-older-oldest (about age)

    old-elder-the eldest — the oldest-older in the family-the oldest in the family (about seniority)

    The weather is better today. — The weather is better today.

    He is my best friend. — He is my best friend.

    Stable expressions

    a change for the better (for the worse) — a change for the better (for the worse)

    Her new hair style is definitely a change for the better. — Her new hairstyle is definitely a change for the better.

    so much the better (the worse) — the better (worse)

    You decided to stay home? So much the better, for now we won’t need a second car. — Have you decided to stay at home? So much the better, then we don’t need a second car just yet.

    none the worse for — will not become worse (did not become) from

    We had to change our plans, but we were none the worse for it in the end. — We were forced to change our plans, but in the end we did not lose anything from this.

    if the worst comes to the worst — in the worst case

    If the worst comes to the worst and your supplier goes into liquidation, you will be able to get compensation. “In the worst case, if your supplier goes bankrupt, you can get compensation.

    to go from bad to worse — it gets worse and worse

    Everything is going from bad to worse for their firm, they have lost their clients and now they are loosing their money. — The business of their company is getting worse and worse, they have lost all clients, and now they are losing money.

    as best — to the fullest extent possible, as soon as possible

    He made a living as best he could. “He made a living as best he could.

    at (the) best — best case scenario

    At (the) best she can stay with us for a few days. “At best, she can stay with us for a few days.

    Source: https://langup.ru/articles/stepeni-sravneniya-prilagatelnyh/

    Comparative and Superlatives | English grammar | EF

    how to determine the degree of comparison in adjectives

    Comparative adjectives show the differences between the two objects that they modify (larger, smaller, faster, higher). They are used in sentences that compare two nouns, as in this example:

    Noun (subject) + verb + comparative adjective + than + noun (object).

    The second word used for comparison can be omitted as it is clear from the context (last example).

    Superlative degree of adjectives

    Superlative adjectives describe an object that has the highest or lowest quality (the tallest, the smallest, the fastest, the highest). They are used in sentences when a subject is compared to a group of objects.

    Noun (subject) + verb + the + superlative + noun (object).

    The group of items to be compared may be omitted if clear from the context (last example).

    Creation of a simple comparative degree and a superlative

    Comparative and superlatives are fairly easy to create. The form depends on the number of syllables in the original adjective.

    One-syllable adjectives

    Add -er for comparative and -est for superior. If the adjective consists of a consonant + a single vowel + a pronounced consonant, then the last consonant is doubled before the ending.

    Adjective Comparative Excellent

    tall workshop tallest
    fetus fatter fat test
    big bigger biggest
    sad Sadder saddest

    Two-syllable adjectives

    Adjectives with two syllables can form a comparative degree either by adding -er at the end or by adding more before the adjective. Such adjectives are superlative by adding -est and most before the adjective.

    In many cases, both forms can be used, although the use of one of the forms may occur earlier than the other. If you are unsure whether an adjective with two syllables can be comparative or superlative, use more and most instead.

    In case the adjective ends in y, change y to i before adding the ending.

    Adjective Comparative Excellent

    happy happier happiest
    tailored simple simplet
    busy busier busiest
    tilted more inclined most inclined
    tangled more tangled most tangled

    Adjectives with three or more syllables

    Adjectives with three or more syllables are comparative with more before the adjective itself, and most before the adjective for superlative.

    Adjective Comparative Excellent

    important more important most important
    expensive more expensive most expensive

    Comparative and superlative adjectives (supplementary way of education)

    These common adjectives form comparative and superlatives in a special way.

    Adjective Comparative Excellent

    good better best
    bad worse sausage
    little less least
    much more bridge
    far further / farther furthest / farthest

    Source: https://www.ef.ru/angliyskie-resursy/angliyskaya-grammatika/sravnitelnaya-prevoshodnaya-stepeni/

    Comparison of adjectives

    how to determine the degree of comparison in adjectives

    Positive Comparative Superlative
    Value attribute of an object without comparing it with the attribute of another object a sign of an object that manifests itself in comparison with the same sign of another object to a greater or lesser extent the highest degree of the attribute of an object or its absence in comparison with the same attribute in other objects
    Examples close closer, more / less close the closest, the closest, the closest / the closest, the closest
    beautiful more beautiful, more / less beautiful the most beautiful, the most beautiful, the most / least beautiful, the most beautiful of all
    clever smarter, smarter / smarter smartest, smartest, smartest / smartest, smartest
    modest more modest, more / less modest the most modest, the most modest, the most / the least modest, the most modest of all

    Comparative degree of an adjective

    Simple comparative degree Difficult comparative degree
    1. + -he (s) fast — faster (faster) kind — kind (kind) 1.form of a positive degree + more (in the sense of increasing the manifestation of the trait) + less (in the meaning of reducing the manifestation of the trait): more / less fast;
    2. + -hard — hard — cleaner
    3. + -sheranny — early — toneshe
    4.use of another word: small — lesser — better — better — worse
    Important: does not change by gender, number and case Important: changes by gender, number and case

    Superlative adjective

    Simple superlatives Complex superlative
    1. + -eysh-fast — the fastest kind — the kindest + -aish- after the g, k, htonky — the thinnest quiet — the quietest 1.the most + form of a positive degree
    2.using another word good — best bad — worst 2.Most + form of a positive degree least (in terms of reducing the manifestation of a trait) + form of a positive degree
    3.simple comparative form + all / all the fastest of all the good of everyone
    Important: change by gender, number and case (except for forms with «all / all»)
    Some adjectives do not form a simple excellent form, but have a complex one: sick, young, dry, old

    Source: http://www.fio.ru/tables/adjective/stepeni-sravneniya-imen-prilagatelnykh/

    comparative

    Forms of comparative degree mean:

    1. A sign that manifests itself in one object to a greater extent than in another.

    • Elbrus is higher than Kazbek.
    • This first sound was followed by another, harder and more drawn-out
    • (I. S. Turgenev)
    • Further experiments were more complex than the previous ones.
    • (Acad. I. P. Pavlov)

    Comparative education

    The initial form of the adjective Comparative education Comparative adjective
    sharp interesting pointless Simple formher (s) sharper (to her) more interesting senseless
    Adjectives stemming from g, k, x, d, t, stry quiet expensive young cool -e + alternation of the final consonant stem hotter
    Adjectives with suffixes -к-, -ок — (- ek-) low high -e + truncate suffixes -k-, -ok — (- ek-) lower above
    long thin -che + truncation of the final consonant of the stem g, k longer thinner
    tall big more + -more (s) increase more
    good bad little from other foundations better, less
    hard weak sweet Compound formwords more, less harder less weaker sweeter

    Qualitative adjectives with the suffixes -sk-, -ov-, -l-, -n- (they do not have short forms!) Do not have a simple form of a comparative degree: friendly, mass, blood, emaciated, etc. This also includes adjectives with suffix -k- type fusible, cumbersome, heavy, separate non-derivative words (flat, decrepit, proud, sloping) and words denoting the color of animals: brown, savras, etc.

    Superior degree

    Superlatives denote:

    1. A sign that in a given subject is manifested in the highest degree or more than in all other subjects.

    • Elbrus is the highest of the Caucasus mountains.
    • In this group, Ivanov is the most capable and hardworking student.
    • You are the best today.
    • The most important stage in your life has come.
    • It is necessary to find out all the smallest details.

    ___________

    The authors of textbooks for higher education Shansky N. M., Tikhonov A. N. and Vinogradov V. V. The initial form of the adjective is called the «form of the positive degree.»

    Source: https://goldrussian.ru/stepeni-sravnenija-prilagatelnyh.html

    Positive degree (der Positiv)

    Positive degree — the adjective itself. Indicates the quality of an item without comparison with other items (form given in the dictionary).

    Meine Wohnung ist klein.

    My apartment is small.

    Comparative degree (der Komparativ)

    comparative used when two objects or phenomena are compared.

    — Formed by adding an adjective suffix to the stem “-Er”.

    — Used with the union als (what).

    Deine Wohnung ist kleiner als meine.

    Your apartment is smaller than mine.

    — Umlaut is added to many short adjectives when forming a comparative degree.

    kalt — kälter (cold — colder)

    dumm — dümmer (stupid — stupid)

    alt — älter

    arm — ärmer

    groß — größer

    jung — jünger

    klug — klüger

    kurz — kürzer

    lang — länger

    — If the root of the adjective ends in el, the vowel e in the comparative degree drops out

    — An adjective in a comparative degree can stand before a noun and be a definition to it.

    ein billiger Wagen — cheap car => ein billigerer Wagen — cheaper car

    eine kleine Wohnung — small apartment => eine kleinere Wohnung — smaller apartment

    — An adjective in a comparative degree can act as a noun

    Nothing interesting.

    Nothing interesting.

    — An adjective in a comparative degree may not mean comparison, but simply a weakened quality:

    eine alte Frau (old woman) =>eine altere Frau (elderly woman)

    eine kleine Stadt (small town) =>eine kleinere Stadt (small town);

    Superlative degree (der Superlativ)

    Superior degree expresses the highest degree of quality.

    — Formed by adding an adjective suffix to the stem “- (e) st”.

    Sie ist das schönste Mädchen.

    She is the most beautiful girl.

    — When using an excellent form, a definite article is needed, since we are dealing with something unique of its kind, and therefore specific.

    — In rare cases, a superlative degree can mean not something unique of its kind, but simply the highest quality, then the indefinite article is used (in the plural without the article):

    Dieser Betrieb besitzt modernste Maschinen.

    This company has the most modern machines.

    — Adjectives that get Umlaut in comparative degree get it in superlative:

    kalt — kälter — der kälteste (colder — colder — coldest)

    dumm — dümmer — der  dummste (stupid — dumber — dumbest)

    — For adjectives whose stem ends in -t, — d, — sch, — s, — ß, — z superlatively before — i.e is added -is-.

    der Kalteste Januar (coldest January)

    — An adjective in a superlative degree can be transformed into a noun.

    Wer ist der Nachste?

    Who’s next?

    Adjectives, the degree of comparison of which must be remembered:

    gut — besser — am besten (good — better — best)

    hoch — höher — am höchsten (high — higher, higher — higher than everyone)

    nah — näher — am nächsten (close — closest — closest of all).

    Co-founder of the crazylink.ru project. I speak German, English and Hebrew. I believe that learning languages ​​can be easy and fun. I love programming, all technical bugs are my fault :)

    Check how you learned the material by passing the test

    Total exercise: 27.

    • Gestern war es kalt kalter kälter am kältesten kältest, als heute
    • Nachts ist es hier im Wald noch dunkler dunkel dunkeler als jetzt.
    • Deine Wohnung ist klein kleiner die kleinste als meine.
    • Ich finde historische Romane sehr interessant interessanter am interessantesten
    • Dieses Bild ist das schön am schönsten schönste schönstes (schön).

    check out i give up want more exercise!

    For every 5 correct answers — 1 point!

    Source: https://crazylink.ru/germangrammar/komparativ-superlativ.html

    English adjectives

    English adjectives do not change in gender, case and number, which makes them easier to learn. Most often, adjectives play the role of a definition and stand before the noun (defined by the word), but after the article. Example: an interesting book is an interesting book. They can also play the role of the nominal part of the predicate. In this case, they appear after the linking verb. Example: The table is big. — The table is large. (is — verb bunch)

    Comparison of adjectives

    As in Russian, English adjectives form degrees of comparison. There are three degrees of comparison of adjectives: positive, comparative and excellent.

    Positive degree

    A basic form that simply reports quality or quantity. Example: a nice day is a nice day.

    Introduction to English adjectives

    As in Russian, English adjectives tell about the signs of an object or phenomenon (or qualities of a person).

    In a nutshell, an adjective is a word that clarifies a noun. Adjectives describe the size, shape, age, color, origin, or material from which the item is made.

    It’s a big table. This is a large table. (the size)
    It’s a round table. This is a round table. (the form)
    It’s an old table. This is an old table. (age)
    It’s a brown table. This is a brown table. (Colour)
    It’s an English table. This is an English table. (origin)
    It’s a wooden table. This is a wooden table. (material)
    It’s a lovely table. This is a beautiful table. (opinion)
    It’s a broken table. This is a broken table. (observation)
    It’s a coffee table. This is a coffee table. (purpose)

    ­

    In the case of a destination, the word of another part of speech usually acts as an adjective:

    coffee tableconference hallhunting cabinbaseball player —- coffee table meeting room hunting hut baseball player

    How do you recognize an adjective?

    Often English adjectives end with one of the following suffixes:

    -able / -ible — adorable, invisible, responsible, uncomfortable

    -al — educational, gradual, illegal, nocturnal, viral

    -an — American, Mexican, urban

    -ar — cellular, popular, spectacular, vulgar

    -ent — intelligent, potent, silent, violent

    -ful — harmful (harmful), powerful (powerful), grateful (grateful), thoughtful (thoughtful)

    -ic / -ical — athletic, energetic, magical, scientific

    -ine — canine (canine), equine (equine), feminine (feminine), masculine (masculine)

    -ile — agile (agile), fragile (fragile), docile (obedient), fertile (fertile)

    -ive — informative, native, talkative

    -less — careless, endless, homeless, timeless

    -ous — cautious, dangerous, enormous, precious

    -some — awesome, handsome, lonesome, wholesome

    Remember, however, that things are not so simple in English! Many adjectives end in -y, -ary, and -ate — but many nouns and adverbs also end in -y, many nouns end in -ary, and many nouns and verbs end in -ate. Be careful!

    Where to put the adjective?

    An adjective can come before a noun. Then that’s the definition.

    Human Subject
    Mandy is a smart girl. Mandy is a smart girl. This is an expensive car. This is an expensive car.

    The adjective can come after the verb to be. Then it’s part of the predicate.

    Human Subject
    The girl is smart. The girl is smart. This car is expensive. This car is expensive.

    Adjectives can appear after the following verbs: appear (to appear), become (to become), feel (to feel), get (to receive), go (to go), keep (to store), turn (to turn, to become).

    We use adjectives when we talk about how an object looks, smells, sounds, or tastes. In English, these are adjectives, not adverbs! (Read about the difference between adjectives and adverbs in a dedicated article.)

    Source: https://skyeng.ru/articles/znakomstvo-s-anglijskimi-prilagatelnymi

    Learning English

    Adjectives in English do not change by person, number and case. Qualitative adjectives vary in degree of comparison. As in Russian, there are three degrees of comparison in English: a positive, comparative и excellent

    Degrees of comparison of adjectives in French — Degrés de comparaison des adjectifs

    Used when comparing something / someone.

    Formed using adverbs plus (more), less (less), also (also), which are placed before the adjective. The second part of the comparison is preceded by a union which (than, how):

    Pierre est plus grand que moi. — Pierre is taller than me.

    Ma voiture est aussi rapide que la tienne. “My car is as fast as yours.

    Pierre est moins sportif que moi. — Pierre is less athletic than me.

    If several comparative adjectives are used in a sentence, then the adverbs plus, moins, aussi are repeated before each:

    Ce film est plus intéressant et plus long que celui-là. — This film is more interesting and longer than that.

    The second part of the comparison may not be mentioned in the sentence, but only implied:

    Lisons ce livre, il est plus intéressant (meaning que l’autre livre). — Let’s read this book, it is more interesting (than another).

    Attention!

    Don’t forget about adjective alignment! — Feminine education; plural

    Comparative adjectives

    • Better (comparative from adjective good) — best /meilleure/meilleurs/meilleures:

    Ce travail est meilleur que celui de Pierre. — This work is better than Pierre’s.

    Cette pomme est meilleure que celle-là. — This apple is better than that.

    But:

    If the adverbs moins or aussi are used, the comparative construction is built according to the rule:

    Cette pomme est moins bonne que celle-là. — This apple is worse (less good) than that.

    Cette pomme est aussi bonne que celle-là. — This apple is (as good) as that.

    • Worse (comparative with the adverb plus from the adjective mauvais) — worse or worst/ pires (colloquially used less often):

    Ces notes sont plus mauvaises que celles de Pierre. — His grades are worse than those of Pierre.

    Ces notes sont pires que celles de Pierre. — His grades are worse than those of Pierre.

    • Less (comparative with the adverb plus from the adjective petit) — smaller or lesser / moindres (in an abstract sense):

    Ma maison est plus petite que la tienne. “My house is smaller than yours.

    Ce film a eu un succès moindre que prévu. — This film turned out to be less successful than expected.

    Superlative — Le superlatif

    The superlative is formed by combining a comparative adjective and a definite article (le, la, les) or a possessive adjective before adverbs (plus, moins, aussi):

    C’est la plus large avenue de la ville. — This is the widest avenue in the city.

    C’est mon plus grand ami. — This is my best friend.

    In the superlative degree, the adjective is placed before or after the noun, depending on the place that it usually occupies. If the adjective is placed after a noun, then the definite article is repeated twice: before the noun and before the adverb plus, moins, aussi:

    Ce sont les plus petites pièces. — These are the smallest rooms.

    C’est la pièce la plus claire. — This is the lightest room.

    But: if several superlative adjectives are used in a sentence, all of them, regardless of their position in a regular sentence, are placed after the noun:

    C’est la pièce la plus grande et la plus claire. — This is the largest and lightest room.

    Superlative adjectives

    Those adjectives that have special forms in a comparative degree in a positive degree (with the adverb plus) retain them in an excellent one:

    • bon — le / la / les meilleur / meilleure / meilleurs / meilleures;
    • mauvais — le / la / les plus mauvais / mauvaise / mauvaises or le / la / les pire / pires;
    • petit — le / la / les plus petit / petite / petits / petites or le / la / les moindre / moindres;

    see notes to comparative degree.

    Differences in the translation of the degrees of comparison of adjectives and adverbs

    Four Russian adjectives in a comparative degree have forms that coincide with adverbs: less, more, better, worse… In order to correctly translate these words into French, you must first understand what part of speech they are. Adjectives will refer to nouns, and adverbs will refer to verbs.

    adjective (characterizes a noun) adverb (characterizes the verb)
    less This apple is smaller. apple est plus petite. These apples cost less. Ces pommes cost less.
    more This package is bigger.Ce bag is bigger. I’m doing more. Je work plus.
    better

    Source: http://irgol.ru/grammaticheskij-spravochnik/stepeni-sravneniya-prilagatelnyh-degres-de-compa/

    Comparison of adjectives. lesson. Russian language Grade 6

    In accordance with their general grammatical meaning, qualitative adjectives have two degrees of comparison, showing the extent to which a feature is manifested in an object. These are comparative and superlative degrees of comparison.

    Comparative degree of an adjective

    The comparative degree of an adjective denotes a greater or lesser manifestation of a feature in a particular subject. For example:

    This cake is sweeter than cake.

    The comparative degree is simple and compound.

    A simple comparative degree is formed using the suffixes -ee — (- her-), -e, -che — / — same.

    Beautiful is more beautiful

    Wise is wiser

    Before the suffix -, there is usually an alternation of stem consonants:

    Sweet is sweeter 

    Low — below

    Adjectives in the form of a simple comparative degree do not change either by gender, or by case, or by number. In sentences, they can perform the functions of a predicate and a definition. For example:

    This city is more beautiful than our own.

    The adjective is more beautiful in the form of a simple comparative degree. In this sentence, it acts as a predicate.

    Let’s find a nicer place.

    The same adjective in a simple comparative degree would be a definition.

    Composite comparative degree is formed by adding more or less words to the adjective.

    Sweet — more or less sweet

    High — more or less high

    Adjectives in the form of a composite comparative degree change in gender, number and case as follows: the first word — more or less — remains unchanged. And the second word changes:

    To a higher

    About less beautiful

    In a sentence, adjectives in the form of a compound comparative degree can be both predicates and definitions:

    The weather is warmer today than a week ago.

    In this sentence, we see that the adjective in the form of a compound comparative degree performs the function of a predicate.

    Kolya liked the warmer water.

    The same form of comparative degree will be a definition.

    Remember:

    The comparative degree of adjectives cannot be formed simultaneously in a simple and complex way.

    It would be a mistake to use the «sweeter» construct. The options will be correct sweeter и sweeter.

    Excellent comparison of adjectives

    An excellent degree denotes the superiority of a given subject in comparison with the rest for some reason:

    Everest is the highest peak in the world.

    The superlative degree, like the comparative one, is simple and complex.

    The simple superlative is formed with the suffixes -eish- or -aish-:

    Quiet — the quietest

    The wise is the wisest

    Adjectives in the form of a simple superlative degree of comparison can vary in gender, number and case. In a sentence, they are both definitions and predicates.

    Everest is the highest peak in the world.

    The adjective supreme is the definition.

    This crater is the deepest.

    The deepest adjective is a predicate.

    The compound superlative degree of adjectives can be formed in two ways:

    1. By adding the words most, most, least to the adjective:

    The smartest is the smartest

    High is the highest

    In the form of a compound superlative degree with the word itself, both words change in gender, cases and numbers:

    The smartest

    About the most beautiful

    In the form of a compound superlative degree with words most and least, only the second word changes:

    About the highest

    In a sentence, this superlative form can serve as both predicate and definition.

    2. To the form of the simple comparative degree of the adjective, the word of everything is added if it is a comparison with inanimate objects, or the word of all, if it is a comparison with living objects or with a number of the same objects.

    This house is the highest in the area.

    This house is taller than all the houses in the area.

    This boy is the tallest in the school.

    In sentences, such superlative forms can only be predicates.

    Remember:

    The excellent degree of comparison of adjectives cannot be formed at once in a simple and complex way.

    Deepest forms are misleading.

    Other forms of superlative comparison must be used — either the deepest or the most profound.

    References

    1. Russian language. Grade 6: Baranov M.T. and others — M .: Education, 2008.
    2. Russian language. Theory. 5-9 grades: V.V. Babaytseva, L. D. Chesnokova — M .: Bustard, 2008.
    3. Russian language. 6th grade: ed. MM. Razumovskaya, P.A. Lekanta — M .: Bustard, 2010.

    Additional recommended links to Internet resources

    Source: https://interneturok.ru/lesson/russian/6-klass/tema/stepeni-sravneniya-imen-prilagatelnyh

    Comparison of adjectives in English

    One of the easy and understandable is the theme degrees of comparison of adjectives in EnglishThere are 2 nuances in it that are worth paying attention to. Practical exercises at the end of the article will help you to fully assimilate the material and use it in speech. Purpose: to understand the principle of the formation of two degrees of comparison.

    The comparative one is needed to compare objects and phenomena, and the excellent one is needed to distinguish it from the mass on any basis. Officially, there is still positive or neutral, when the adjective is in its initial form. There are no differences in the formation of adjectives in English and Russian. This is the first nuance.

    Second, there are six exceptions.

    Most qualitative adjectives have degrees of comparison, which have the characteristic of quality: large — larger — largest, for comparison: marine — marine — most marine. «Marine» is not a qualitative adjective, and has no degrees of comparison.

    There are simple adjectives, and there are more syllables.

    Simple adjectives

    Consist of 1 — 2 syllables: strange, brave, tiny. Comparison degrees are formed synthetically, that is, by adding a suffix and an article.
    Further in the tables: positive — I, comparative — II, excellent — III.

    I II III
    High high er    the  high is
    Small small small
    Strong strong   strong
    Rich rich rich
    Big big bigg
    Hungry hungri hungri
    Healthy  healthi healthi
    Happy happi happi

    Replacement: letter y changing to i.

    What consonants are doubled: g, n, t, p, l.

    When: after a closed syllable.

    What is a closed syllable: in a syllable after a vowel, a consonant letter is required. Example in Russian: daughter, bank, diary. Examples of an open syllable: do_ro_ga, cafe_fe, beauty_sa_vi_tsa_.

    * Note: if the adjective has an «e» at the end, then it is not doubled. Fine — finer — the finest.

    Compound adjectives

    Change through the analytical way of education.
    This is achieved by adding the words «more» and «the most», «more» and «the most».

    I II III
    important more important themost important
    emotional emotional emotional
    different different different
    Beautiful Beautiful Beautiful
    successful

    Source: https://www.study.ru/handbook/stepeni-sravneniya-prilagatelnyh

    Comparison of adjectives in Russian

    Comparative degrees are characteristic of qualitative adjectives. The degrees of comparison are formed both with the help of formative suffixes, and with the help of the words «more», «less», «the most», «all».

    Qualitative adjectives designate a feature of an object that it may have to a greater or lesser extent. Adjectives have two degrees of comparison:

    • comparative degree;
    • superlative degree.

    In form, each degree of comparison can be simple (consists of one word) and compound (consists of two words).

    Simple comparative education

    An adjective in the form of a comparative degree shows that in one or another object the attribute is manifested to a greater or lesser extent than in another, for example:

    Today, a summer night was brighter than yesterday’s.

    Let’s compare:

    And on the ground is a bright night, spreads white sheets on the slopes (V. Shukshin).

    The first sentence describes a summer night, which was not just bright, as the Russian writer V. Shukshin reports, but lighter, that is, the sign of the object is more pronounced. This is achieved using the formative suffixes -e, -ee. This is how a simple comparative degree of qualitative adjectives is formed, for example:

    • sharp — sharper;
    • cheerful — more fun;
    • useful is more useful;
    • joyful — more joyful;
    • good is better;
    • bad — worse.

    For some adjectives, when forming a simple degree of comparison, the root of the word changes, that is, these are supplementary forms.

    A number of words have root consonant alternations:

    • sweet — sweeter;
    • clean is cleaner;
    • liquid — thinner;
    • quiet — quieter;
    • thin — thinner;
    • bright — brighter;
    • voiced — louder;
    • close — closer;
    • deep — deeper.

    The form of a simple comparative degree of adjectives can be formed using the prefix po and the suffixes -e, -ee:

    Prefixed adjectives are common in colloquial speech.

    Simple comparative adjectives Are immutable words. They do not determine the number, gender and case.

    In a sentence, adjectives in the form of a comparative degree act as a predicate or inconsistent definition:

    Now I have become more modest in desires (S. Yesenin).

    Give me a book (which one?) More interesting.

    Also note that some qualitative adjectives do not form a simple degree of comparison:

    words of ancient origin:

    • early
    • zealous
    • right
    • left
    • proud
    • raw
    • dilapidated
    • timid;

    adjectives with the meaning of color:

    • blue
    • crimson
    • Gray;

    names of animal suits:

    words formed by the transition of relative adjectives to qualitative or from verbs using suffixes:

    • -sk-: friendly, comic, human, mocking, humorous;
    • -ov—: business, fire, forward, combat;
    • -n-: bulk, filling, baited, excess;
    • -l-: hoarse, tanned, tall, tired, lively.

    In some cases, the compound comparative degree of adjectives will come to the rescue.

    Composite comparative degree education

    The composite comparative degree of adjectives is formed using the initial form of the adjective (nominative singular masculine) and using the words «more», «less», for example:

    • tanned — more / less tanned;
    • tired — more / less tired;
    • comradely — more / less comradely.

    Composite forms of adjectives are more bookish than simple ones.

    Superlative education

    The excellent degree of comparison of adjectives shows that this or that object is superior to other objects in some way, for example:

    The nearest village will be fifteen kilometers from here.

    We think our arguments are the most compelling.

    The considered degree of comparison of the adjective also has a simple and compound form.

    The simple form of the superlative degree is formed by the suffix by attaching the formative suffixes -eish-, -aish- to the base of the word:

    • smart — the smartest;
    • beautiful — beautiful;
    • close — closest;
    • strong — the strongest.

    Let’s observe that the suffix -aish- participates in the formation of an adjective form with a stem on the back-lingual consonants «g», «k», «x»:

    • low — the lowest bow;
    • strict — the strictest prohibition.

    We indicate the difficult forms of adjectives:

    • dear — dearest;
    • short — shortest;
    • heavy — the heaviest.

    To enhance the superlative degree, the prefix na- is sometimes used, which emphasizes the high, to the limit, the degree of quality of the object, for example:

    • smart — the wisest;
    • strong is the strongest;
    • good — best — best.

    Compound superlative form of adjectives

    It is related to a simple compound comparative degree, that it also consists of the initial form of an adjective (singular, masculine, nominative), but it is formed by other words — «most», «most», «least», for example:

    • lightest — lightest, most / least light;
    • sad — the saddest, most / least sad.

    This is the first way to form a superlative degree of comparison. There is also a second one:

    the comparative degree of the adjective + the word «all» (the genitive form of the pronoun «all»), for example:

    • interesting — the most interesting;
    • loud — the loudest;
    • the weak is the weakest of all.

    Adjectives in the superlative degree of comparison vary in number, gender and case.

    The most amazing thing in this forest was not a winter oak, but a small man in worn-out felt boots (Yu. Nagibin).

    Many beautiful poems have been composed by Russian poets about the saddest period of leaf fall.

    Morphological errors in the formation of degrees of comparison of adjectives

    Failure to comply with the morphological norms of the formation of comparative degrees of adjectives causes the occurrence of such speech errors:

    • this ribbon is redder than this one;
    • this candy is sweeter than that instead of sweeter;
    • the dress turned out to be shorter instead of shorter;
    • your voice is louder instead of louder;
    • harder character instead of harder;
    • you are smarter instead of smarter;
    • the forward is faster instead of faster;
    • the conclusions are deeper instead of deeper;
    • the jelly became thinner instead of thinner;
    • it is the most famous melody instead of the most famous;
    • the subtlest hint instead of the subtlest hint.

    From the point of view of the morphological norm of the Russian language, it is inadmissible to combine the forms of simple comparative and compound degrees into one.

    Wrong to say:

    • better conditions;
    • worse habits.

    An exercise

    We indicate the numbers of sentences in which the first answer is correct:

    1. Our ties with Russian universities are becoming (stronger, stronger).
    2. (The closest, nearest) first-aid post is located a kilometer from us.
    3. New dress (shorter, shorter) than what I was wearing yesterday.
    4. These facts require (the most serious, the most serious) analysis.
    5. The circus performer was able to perform a (more difficult, more difficult) trick without duplicates.
    6. In the history of figure skating, this pair played (the most important, most important) role.
    7. Bright yellow tulips (happier, happier) in the rays of the spring sun.
    8. The second part of the novel (less interesting, less interesting).

    lesson «Formation of degrees of comparison of adjectives»

    Source: https://russkiiyazyk.ru/chasti-rechi/prilagatelnoe/stepeni-sravneniya-prilagatelnyih.html

    Comparison of adjectives in English

    Only qualitative adjectives in English form degrees of comparison. They designate qualities, features inherent directly to the object, not expressing its relation to the material, position in space or in time. Qualitative adjectives can be used with the adverb very: you can say very long, but you cannot say very wooden.

    Adjectives in English form three degrees of comparison:

    • Polishing — basic form: beautiful, soft, charming, serious
    • Comparative — when compared with other objects: more beautiful, softer, more charming, more serious
    • Superb — shows the highest degree of trait: the most beautiful, the softest, the most charming, the most serious

     Formation of degrees of comparison

    Comparative and superlative degrees are formed in two ways, depending on the structure of the adjective.

    Polishing

    Comparative

    Superb

    adj

    adj + er

    the adj + est

    Bright

    Brighter

    The brightest

     This method is used:

    • For single word adjectives:

    Tall, long, new, sad, odd

    • For two-syllable adjectives with stress on the second syllable:

    Polite, remote

    • For two-syllable adjectives with endings -y, -ble, -er, -some, -ow:

    Noble, clever, silly, narrow

    Exceptions: right, wrong, real

    When forming the comparative and superlative degrees in this way, adjectives can change slightly:

    • The last dumb “e” is removed: brave — braver — the bravest
    • The ending «y» changes to «I»: silly — sillier — the silliest
    • For adjectives with a short syllable and a consonant at the end, the consonant doubles: hot — hotter — the hottest

    examples:

    This street is the narrowest in our town. — This street is the narrowest in our city.

    Bob’s room is much brighter than Mary’s. — Bob’s room is much lighter than Mary’s.

    What’s the easiest way to do it? — What’s the easiest way to do it?

    Polishing

    Comparative

    Superb

    adj

    More + adj

    the most + adj 

    Excellent

    More excellent

    The most excellent

    This method is used for all other adjectives (except for exceptions) — disyllabic with stress on the first syllable and polysyllabic. The words do not change in any way, the words more or most are placed in front of them.

    I think reading a book is more interesting than playing games. — I think reading a book is more interesting than playing games.

    What was the most difficult task on the exam? — What was the most difficult task in the exam?

    It was the most beautiful dress I had ever seen, but it turned out to be much more expensive than I thought. — It was the most beautiful dress I have ever seen, but it turned out to be much more expensive than I thought.

    1. Sometimes adjectives can be used in both ways. Recently, in most of such cases, preference has been given to the analytical form. Two-syllable adjectives with an emphasis on the last syllable have become more often used in speech with the words more and most, despite the rules described in the grammar.

    Both variants use adjectives:

    • True
    • Hot
    • Happy
    • Clever
    • Sincerely
    • politics
    • Handsome
    • Awesome

    You should be more polite / politer when you are talking to the elder. “You should be more polite when you talk to your elders.

    I believed him because he had the sincerest / the most sincere face. — I believed him because he has the most sincere face.

    Exceptions

    Certain adjectives form degrees of comparison without following the rules described above. They can completely change the root of a word in other degrees. These exceptions need to be remembered.

    Polishing

    Comparative

    Superb

    Good

    Better

    The best

    Bath

    Word

    The worst

    Little

    Less

     the least

    Give me the least cake, please. — Please give me the smallest cake.

    I don’t this version, but that one is even worse. — I don’t like this option, but that one is even worse.

    The adjectives old, far, late and near form the degree of comparison in two versions: standard, according to the described rules, and as an exception. These options vary in meaning.

    old:

    Older, the oldest

    Elder, the eldest — the eldest in the family

    He is the oldest man in this town. “He is the oldest man in this city.

    Do you know my elder brother? — Do you know my older brother?

    far:

    Farther, the farthest — farthest in distance

    Further, the furthest — other meanings

    Our house is farther than theirs. “Our home is farther than theirs.

    What are your further instructions? — What are your next instructions?

    Close:

    The nearest — closest

    The next — next

    Let’s go to the nearest pub. — Let’s go to the nearest pub.

    The next question is really difficult. — The next question is really difficult.

    late:

    Later, the latest — later in time

    The latter is the last in the list, in order of two

    When does the latest train leave? — When does the latest train leave?

    There are two ways to solve this problem: to speak to him or to fire him. I don’t the latter. — There are two ways to solve this problem: talk to him or fire him. I don’t like the last (second) method.

    Source: https://lingua-airlines.ru/kb-article/stepeni-sravneniya-prilagatelnyh-v-anglijskom/

    Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

    What you will learn:
    • Intro
    • Comparative adjectives
      • What are they?
      • How do I make them?
      • Examples
    • Superlative adjectives
      • What are they?
      • How do I make them?
      • Examples
    • A-Z list of 35 comparative and superlative adjectives with examples
    • Quantifiers for comparatives
    • Exercises: Comparative vs. superlative adjectives

    Intro

    Are you having problems understanding the comparative and superlative in English? Don’t worry – even native speakers make mistakes with these! In this study guide, we will explain each type of adjective and give you a list of the 35 most common. You will improve your understanding with our native examples and can test your knowledge with the exercises at the end of the guide. Ready? Let’s get cracking!

    What are comparative adjectives?

    Comparative adjectives are used to compare differences between the two objects they modify (e.g. larger, smaller, faster, higher). They are used in sentences where two nouns are compared:

    Noun + verb + comparative adjective+ than + noun.

    E.g. The cat ran faster than the dog.
     

    How do I make comparative adjectives?

    The way we form comparative adjectives depends on the adjective!

    For one-syllable adjectives, we add ‘-er’ to the end to make the comparative form (e.g. old – older, hard – harder). With short vowels, we double the final consonant before adding the ‘-er’ (e.g. big – bigger, hot – hotter). With adjectives ending in ‘-y’, we add an ‘i’ before the ‘-er’ (e.g. dry – drier, happy – happier).

    For two-syllable (or longer) adjectives, we keep the adjective the same but add ‘more’ in front (e.g. boring – more boring). Most of these adjectives end in ‘-ly’, for example: carefully, efficiently, recently, etc.

    There are also some irregular forms that don’t follow these rules. You will have to learn these separately! For example, the comparative form of far is further, the comparative form of bad is worse and of good is better.

    Examples of comparative adjectives

    Trains are more expensive than buses in London.
    (We are comparing two forms of transport: trains and buses. Expensive is a three-syllable adjective so we keep the adjective the same and add ‘more’ before it)

    Hannah is taller than Jane.
    (We are comparing Hannah and Jane’s height. Tall is a one-syllable adjective so we add -er to the end)

    Fruit is healthier than chocolate.
    (We are comparing two different types of food. Healthy ends in -y so we add -ier to the end of the adjective)

    Max is better at maths than David, but is worse at maths than Sarah.
    (We are comparing Max’s ability at maths to David’s and then to Sarah’s. As good and bad are both irregular forms, we use better and worse)

    With some one-syllable adjectives we double the final consonant before adding –er or -est. For example: big – bigger – biggest, fat – fatter – fattest, thin – thinner – thinnest. If a one-syllable adjective ends in -e, then we simply add –r or –st. For example: fine – finer – finest. This brings us to the topic of ‘superlatives’.

    Superlative adjectives

    What are superlative adjectives?

    Superlative adjectives are used to describe an object that is at the upper or lower limit of a quality (e.g. the tallest, the smallest, the fastest, the highest).

    In other words, they describe extremes. They are used in sentences to compare three or more nouns:

    Noun + verb + the + superlative adjective + noun.
    E.g. Parrots are the noisiest birds in the jungle.

    How do I make superlative adjectives?

    To form superlatives, you need to follow similar rules to those above for making comparative adjectives.

    For one-syllable adjectives and two-syllable adjectives ending in ‘-y’, we add –est to the end of the adjective (e.g. old – oldest). With short vowels, we double the final consonant before adding the –est (e.g. big – biggest), and with adjectives ending in ‘-y’ we add an ‘i’ before the –er (e.g. friendly – friendliest).

    For two-syllable (or longer) adjectives, we keep the adjective the same but add ‘the most’ in front (e.g. boring – the most boring).

    The irregular forms in comparative adjectives are the same for superlative adjectives. So the superlative form of far is (the) furthest, bad becomes the worst and good is the best.
     

    Examples of superlative adjectives

    Trains are the most expensive transport in London.
    (We are comparing trains vs. all other forms of transport. Expensive is a three-syllable adjective so we keep the adjective the same and add ‘the most’ before it)

    Hannah is the tallest person in her family.
    (We are saying Hannah is taller than everyone else in her family. Tall is a one-syllable adjective so we add -est to the end)

    Grapefruit is the healthiest fruit.
    (We are comparing grapefruit to all other types of fruit. Healthy ends in ‘-y’ so we add -iest to the end of the adjective)

    Max is the best at maths in his class, but is the worst at science.
    (We are saying that Max is better at maths than everyone in his class, but is worse at science than everyone in his class. As good and bad are both irregular forms, we use the best and the worst).

    Table: How to form comparative and superlative adjectives

      Adjective Comparative Superlative
    One-syllable adjectives and adjectives ending in -y   adjective + -er the + adjective + -est
      old older the oldest
      big bigger the biggest
      friendly friendlier the friendliest
    Two-syllable or longer adjectives more + adjective the most + adjective
    interesting more interesting the most interesting
    boring more boring the most boring
    narrow more narrow the narrowest
    Irregular forms
      good better the best
    bad worse the worst
    far farther the farthest
    little less the least

    A-Z list of 35 comparative and superlative adjectives with examples

    1. angry – angrier – the angriest
      He was angrier yesterday than he was last week.
      He is the angriest man I have ever seen met!
    2. bad – worse – the worst (irregular)
      I think the weather’s worse than last winter as it’s rained nearly every day!
      This is the worst weather in December since records began!
    3. big – bigger – the biggest
      Your desk is bigger than mine.
      You have the biggest desk in the whole office.
    4. boring – more boring – the most boring
      The film was a bit more boring than I thought it would be.
      That film was the most boring thing I’ve seen for ages!
    5. cheap – cheaper – the cheapest
      Your car was cheaper than mine by about two grand (£2,000).
      Our package deal to Spain was by far the cheapest holiday I’ve ever been on!
    6. clever – cleverer – cleverest
      I was cleverer when I was younger.
      Sarah is the cleverest student in our year. 

    Note that some native English speakers also use the forms ‘more clever’ and ‘most clever’. These forms appear to follow the rules more closely, but they are less popular when it comes to real usage in the UK.

    1. cute – cuter – the cutest
      Your new dog is cuter than your old one.
      That is the cutest dog I’ve ever seen!
    2. clean – cleaner – the cleanest
      The house is looking a lot cleaner than it was this morning.
      The house is the cleanest it has ever been.
    3. comfort – more comfortable – the most comfortable
      I would be more comfortable wearing jeans.
      These are my most comfortable trousers.
    4. dirty – dirtier – the dirtiest
      That seat looks a bit dirtier than this one.
      After our walk, my little brother had the dirtiest pair of shoes.
    5. expensive – more expensive – the most expensive
      It’s more expensive to go to France in the summer (than in the winter).
      Switzerland is the most expensive country in Europe.
    6. far – further – the furthest (irregular)
      From London, Liverpool is further than Oxford.
      Leeds is one of the furthest big cities from London (in England).
    7. fast – faster – the fastest
      It’s faster to use the self-service checkout at the supermarket.
      That was the fastest journey I’ve ever been on.
    8. fat – fatter – the fattest
      She was fatter when she was younger, but she’s lost weight recently.
      She used to be the fattest girl at school.
    9. funny – funnier – the funniest
      Dave is funnier when he’s drunk!
      Apparently, Americans are some the funniest people in the world.
    10. good – better – the best (irregular)
      Baan Thai has got better reviews than the other restaurants in the area.
      It has by far the best reviews we’ve read so far.
    11. happy – happier – the happiest
      I’m always happier in the summer.
      John is the happiest I’ve seen him in years.
    12. hard-working – more hard-working – the most hard-working
      Michael is more hard-working than Harry.
      He’s the most hard-working student I’ve ever taught.
    13. healthy – healthier – the healthiest
      It is healthier to eat vegetables than meat.
      The Mediterranean diet is the healthiest in the world.
    14. high – higher – the highest
      The Himalayas is a higher mountain range than The Alps.
      Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world.
    15. interesting – more interesting – the most interesting
      I found the book more interesting than the film.
      It was the most interesting film we’d seen this year.
    1. little – less – the least (irregular)
      I did less work than Hannah this term.
      Simon has done the least work in the whole team, but has got all the credit!
    2. long – longer – the longest
      The Nile is longer than the River Thames.
      The Amazon is the longest river in the world.
    3. loud – louder – the loudest
      You should give the speech because your voice is louder than mine.
      Jane has the loudest voice I’ve ever heard!
    4. nice – nicer – the nicest
      The pasta is nicer than the pizza in this restaurant.
      The Margherita is the nicest pizza on the menu.
    5. old – older – the oldest
      As a nation, Italy is older than America.
      Damascus is thought to be the oldest city in the world.
    6. poor – poorer – the poorest
      Financially speaking, Greece is poorer than Sweden.
      Ukraine is one of the poorest countries in Europe.
    7. popular – more popular – the most popular
      Spain is a more popular holiday destination for Brits than Croatia.
      Mauritius is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations.
    8. pretty – prettier – the prettiest
      That dress is prettier than the other one you tried on.
      I think this is the prettiest dress in the shop.
    9. rich – richer – the richest
      If you hadn’t wasted your money on fancy cars, then you’d be richer now.
      Bill Gates is the second richest person in the world.
    10. slow – slower – the slowest
      The bus is slower than the train.
      Walking would be the slowest option.
    11. small – smaller – the smallest
      Peru is smaller than Brazil.
      Out of Peru, Panama and Brazil, Peru is by far the smallest country.
    12. tall – taller – the tallest
      The Empire State Building is taller than the Shard.
      The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world.
    13. ugly – uglier – the ugliest
      That hat is uglier than anything else in your wardrobe!
      Julie bought the ugliest bag in the shop!
    14. young – younger – the youngest
      I don’t have any cousins who are younger than me.
      I am the youngest member of my family.

    Quantifiers for comparatives

    We can use quantifiers with comparative adjectives to show if there is a big or small difference between the two things we are comparing.

    For a big difference use…

    A lot
    The US is a lot bigger than Ireland.

    Much
    Sarah has much longer hair than Anna.

    A great deal
    It is a great deal more polluted in London than Cornwall.

    Far
    It’s far healthier to eat a salad than a burger.

    Significantly
    The company’s sales have been significantly better this year.

    Considerably
    Siberia is considerably colder than Australia.

    Way (informal)
    This week’s homework is way easier than I thought it would be.
    For a small difference use…

    A little
    The chocolate cake was a little more popular than the lemon sponge.

    A bit (informal)
    First class train tickets are always a bit more expensive than standard ones.

    A little bit
    The UK is a little bit further north than France.

    Slightly
    France is slightly bigger than Spain.

    Marginally
    My hotel room is only marginally bigger than yours.

    Some comparative quantifiers are more informal than others so it’s important to know when to use each one. You will find a lot, way and a bit are very common in spoken English. However, you generally wouldn’t write way or use it in more formal contexts. In these formal situations, you would be more likely to use a great deal, considerablyor marginally.

    Superlative phrases

    We don’t use quantifiers with superlative adjectives but there are common phrases that are used with superlatives. These are useful to know as they are very commonly used by native speakers and you will likely hear them a lot!

    One of the…

    Aramaic is one of the oldest languages in the world.
    (We are not saying it is necessarily the oldest. Often used when we don’t know something for sure)

    The second/third…
    According to Mastercard’s Global Destination Cities Index, London is the second most visited city in the world.

    By far the…
    In England, the bus is by far the cheapest mode of transport.
    (Meaning by a long way or by a significant margin)
     

    Exercises: Comparative vs. superlative adjectives

    Task A

    Fill in the correct form of the words in brackets (comparative or superlative).

    1. This tree is (tall) __________ than that one.
    2. The weather this summer is (good) _______ than last year.
    3. Rome is (crowded) __________ city I’ve ever been to.
    4. That was (boring) ___________ film I’ve ever seen!
    5. He’s a lot (friendly) _________ than his wife.
    6. Tokyo is (big) __________ city in the world.
    Task B

    Rewrite these sentences to give them the opposite meaning by using the adjectives in brackets.

    1. My house is cleaner than your house. (dirty)
    2. The bus is the most expensive form of transport in this city. (cheap)
    3. We live nearer to (from) the supermarket than the train station. (far)
    4. The traffic’s worse than I expected. (good)
    5. This is the most interesting documentary on the subject of farming. (boring)
    6. That’s the tiniest frog I’ve ever seen. (enormous)
    Task C

    Match the pictures with the correct sentences below.

    1. House A is a lot smaller than house B – picture 1 or picture 2?
    2. House B is a little bit taller than house A – picture 1 or picture 2?
    3. House A is slightly smaller than house B – picture 1 or picture 2?
    4. House A is significantly shorter than house B – picture 1 or picture 2?
    5. House B is far bigger than house A – picture 1 or picture 2?

    Answers

    Task A

    1. taller
    2. better
    3. the most crowded
    4. the most boring film
    5. friendlier
    6. the biggest
    Task B

    1. dirtier
    2. the cheapest
    3. further
    4. better
    5. the most boring
    6. the most enormous
    Task C

    1. Picture 1
    2. Picture 2
    3. Picture 2
    4. Picture 1
    5. Picture 1

    Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

    Alex Jude —
    ESL Specialist & CEO at Online Teachers UK.

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    Proper use of certain English adjective and adverb forms of a word can be elusive because of what they describe. One such pair is bad and badly.

    The word bad is an adjective that modifies nouns and pronouns: She was in a bad accident.

    The word badly is an adverb that conveys the manner or degree of a verb’s action: She was hurt badly in the accident.

    Bad vs. Badly: Why the Mix-Up?

    Confusion about the two words typically arises when they accompany the sensory linking verbs taste, look, smell, and feel.

    When we use these verbs actively, we should follow them with adverbs. (Hear is always used actively.)

    When we use these verbs descriptively, we should follow them with adjectives.

    Examples
    I feel bad about having said that. (I am not feeling something physically but rather describing something emotionally, so the adjective bad is used.)

    She feels badly since her fingers were burned. (She is feeling something physically with her fingers, so the adverb form is used.)

    The same interpretations of adjectives and adverbs apply with the other linking verbs mentioned.

    Examples
    The mask he wore made him look suspicious to the police. (He did not look with his eyes; look describes his appearance so the adjective is used.)
    She looked suspiciously at the $100 bill. (Her appearance is not being described; she looked with her eyes so the adverb is needed.)

    Because Richard had such a bad cold, all food tasted poor to him. (Poor describes the taste of the food so the adjective is used.)
    Richard’s bad cold caused him to taste food poorly. (Poorly modifies the physical tasting of food so the adverb is needed.)

    The perfume Janine is wearing smells strong. (Strong describes the perfume so the adjective is used.)
    Janine can smell scents so strongly you’d almost think she has a dog’s nose. (Quickly relates to the physical act of smelling so the adverb is needed.)

    Bad vs. Badly: A Note on Current-Day Usage

    GrammarBook.com aims to maintain distinctions that uphold more-precise usage and meaning in American English. At the same time, we recognize that some resources for style guidance adapt to contemporary tendencies. Merriam-Webster online, for example, currently accepts bad as an informal, colloquial form of badly, thereby making the words interchangeable: “bad: badly (doesn’t want it bad enough).”

    The American Heritage Dictionary further explains that the use of badly with want and need was once considered incorrect, since in these cases it means “very much” rather than “in an inferior manner or condition” or “immorally.” Today, however, such usage is prevalent even in formal contexts and so considered standard.

    Consequently, we acknowledge that bad and badly can both be used as adverbs with verbs of strong emotion (e.g., want, need) although we prefer differentiating them for greater precision.

    bad vs. badly

    Pop Quiz

    1. Please don’t feel [bad / badly] about forgetting to call me.
    2. Loretta wants the new kitchen-table set [bad / badly].
    3. That coyote is looking at us [bad / badly].
    4. You probably shouldn’t have baked the cake so long, because it smells really [bad / badly] now.
    5. David says his Denver omelet tastes [bad / badly] so he’s going to ask them to make it again.

    Pop Quiz Answers

    1. Please don’t feel bad about forgetting to call me.
    2. Loretta wants the new kitchen-table set bad (or badly).
    3. That coyote is looking at us badly.
    4. You probably shouldn’t have baked the cake so long, because it smells really bad now.
    5. David says his Denver omelet tastes bad so he’s going to ask them to make it again.

    Are you ready for the quiz?

    Bad vs. Badly Quiz

    Advertisement

    If the article or the existing discussions do not address a thought or question you have on the subject, please use the «Comment» box at the bottom of this page.

    What is the difference between worst and worse?

    There are few things worse than bad writing. But the worst is when writers confuse words like “worse” and “worst.” Either term is a comparative or superlative adjective for “bad” and “ill,” but that doesn’t mean we can use them interchangeably. 

    Since “worse” and “worst” are comparative and superlative adjectives, they ultimately represent varying degrees of ‘bad’ or ‘ill.’ For instance, “worse” is ‘more bad,’ while “worst” is the ‘most bad.’ 

    In addition to their adjective forms, we can also use the word “worse” as a noun or adverb, and “worst” as an adverb, noun, or verb. But as complicated as this looks, the general difference between the words stays the same: 

    • Worse = ‘more bad’ than bad/ill 
    • Worst = the ‘most bad’ 

    It’s easy to see how English speakers confuse “worse” and “worst.” The words are homophones, which means they have similar spellings and pronunciations, but carry different meanings. The Word Counter covers similar word similarities within articles like “affective vs. effective” and “past vs. passed.” 

    Worse and worst are also irregular adjectives, which means the words ‘bad’ and ‘ill’ don’t follow regular adjective patterns. For instance, we usually add “-er” or “-est” to the end of adjectives to indicate comparative and superlative forms (e.g., short, shorter, shortest). 

    What does worse mean?

    English speakers primarily use the term worse as a comparative adjective to describe a noun that is of lower quality, ‘more bad,’ or ‘lesser’ than another. In this sense, the concept of “bad” or “ill” applies to negative attributes, such as: 

    • Inferior value or lower standard
    • Less desirable 
    • Degree of difficulty
    • Lack of skill or efficiency 
    • More severe or serious 
    • More corrupt, evil, or reprehensible 
    • A poorer state of health 

    Example sentences include, 

    “I feel worse today than I did yesterday.” 
    “You’re worse than your brother.” 
    “The food tastes worse when you order to-go.”
    “I’m not sure things could get any worse.”

    Worse as a noun

    As a mass noun, the word worse describes a person, place, or thing that is ‘more serious,’ ‘more unpleasant,’ or ‘less favorable.’ For example,

    “His health took a turn for the worse.” 
    “There’s worse that could happen.”
    “I’ve been through worse than this.” 

    Worse as an adverb

    The adverb form of worse modifies other adverbs, adjectives, or verbs to imply ‘in a worse manner,’ ‘extent,’ or ‘what is worse.’ For example, 

    “The less you sleep, the worse you’ll feel.” 
    “Folks are worse prepared than ever before.” 
    “They could have played a lot worse than we did.”

    Synonyms of worse

    Common, deficient, inferior, lame, lesser, lousy, lower, mediocre, normal, ordinary, substandard, poor, unsatisfactory, wanting, worst. 

    Antonyms of worse

    Exceptional, extraordinary, incomparable, nonpareil, rare, uncommon, unequaled, unmatched, unrivaled, unusual, unsurpassable. 

    Etymology of worse

    Worse” entered the English Language via Old English wiersa and wyrsa (adjectives) and wiers (adverb) Originally a form of Old High German (‘wirsiro’), the term transitioned again in Middle English as ‘werse’ and ‘worse.’ 

    What does worst mean?

    The word worst is a superlative adjective of “bad” and “ill” to describe something of the lowest standard or highest severity. 

    Sentence examples include, 

    “He was the worst Uber driver ever.” 
    “This is the worst thing that’s ever happened to me.”
    “The memo reiterated my worst fears.” 

    Worst as an adverb

    As an adverb, the word worst modifies other adverbs, adjectives, and verbs to describe a high degree of inferiority, corruption, or distaste. For example, 

    “Students are the worst affected by COVID school closures.” 
    “Pickling is the worst-smelling hobby .” 
    “Oregon regions worst hit by snow include Pendleton and Ontario.”

    Worst as a noun

    The noun form of worst describes someone or something that is “the worst.” For example, 

    “Isn’t she the worst?” 
    “I fear the worst is yet to come.”
    Worst-case scenario, we can take a cab instead of the train.”

    Worst as a verb

    The verb worst defines the act of ‘getting the better of,’ defeating, or achieving victory over another. Additional verb forms include worsted, worsting, or worsts. For example, 

    “The Portland Trail Blazers worsted the Philadelphia 76ers in 1977.” 
    “The soldiers spent the week worsting their enemies.”

    Synonyms of worst

    Adj., adverb, noun: Atrocious, awful, bad, deficient, dissatisfactory, inferior, lesser, ordinary, routine, rotten, wanting, worse, vile. 

    Verb: Annihilate, beat, conquer, defeat, master, overcome, prevail, subdue, surmount, sweep, triumph.

    Antonyms of worst

    Adj., adverb, noun: Exceptional, extraordinary, incomparable, rare, uncommon, unequaled, unmatched, unsurpassed, unusual. 

    Verb: Collapse, fail, fall, flop, fold, give up, go under, lose. 

    Etymology of worst

    Modern English adapted “worst” from Middle English werste and worste and Old English wierresta and wystra. Both Old English forms represent the superlative forms of Old English wiersa for ‘worse.’ 

    Worst vs. worse: understanding comparative and superlative adjectives

    All adjectives contain comparative and superlative forms. Comparative adjectives describe the difference between the two nouns they modify (e.g., harder, better, faster, stronger). Superlative adjectives compare objects on a scale of upper to lower quality standards (e.g., hardest, best, fastest, strongest). But since “worst” and “worse” are irregular adjectives, their comparative and superlative forms don’t follow typical English grammar. 

    Regular adjectives

    Regular adjectives develop into comparative and superlative forms based on their number of syllables. Adjectives with one syllable follow a pattern of adding an -er for the comparative form and an -est for the superlative. 

    Adjective:cute

    Comparative:cuter

    Superlative:cutest.”

    If an adjective contains two or more syllables, the original adjective doesn’t always change. Instead, the words “more” and “most” precede adjectives for the comparative and superlative forms, respectively. For example, 

    Adjective:exclusive

    Comparative:more exclusive

    Superlative:most exclusive.” 

    English grammar poses an exception for certain two-syllable adjectives. If the adjective ends with -y, -ow, -er, -le-, we add an -er or -est for the comparative form and -est for the superlative forms. 

    Adjective:pretty

    Comparative:prettier” 

    Superlative:prettiest” 

    Adjective:noble

    Comparative:nobler” 

    Superlative:noblest” 

    Adjective:low

    Comparative:lower” 

    Superlative:lowest” 

    Irregular adjectives

    Irregular comparative and superlative adjectives don’t follow a set pattern. Instead, they transform the original adjective into a unique comparative or superlative form. For example, 

    Adjective:good

    Comparative:better

    Superlative:best

    Adjective:little

    Comparative:less

    Superlative:least

    When it comes to “worse” and “worst,” the irregular adjectives are “bad” and “ill.” Under normal conditions, we would add ‘-er’ or ‘-est’ for “badder” or “baddest.” But since “bad” and “ill” are irregular adjectives, we use “worse” for the comparative form and “worst” for the superlative form. 

    Adjective:bad/ill

    Comparative:worse” or “iller” 

    Superlative:worst” or “illest

    How do you use worse and worst in a sentence?

    To ensure correct usage of worse or worst, it’s important to remember two key factors: 

    #1. Worse and worst = bad and ill

    Worst and worse are extensions of the adjectives “bad” or “ill.” Therefore, anything that is “worse” or the “worst” carries a negative connotation. For example, 

    “Are you feeling worse?” (illness)
    “Brad is a worse writer than Kayla.” (unskilled)
    “Skydiving is my worst fear.” (most severe) 
    “Talking to family about politics is the worst.” (unpleasant) 

    #2. Use worse or worst to compare nouns differently

    Worse is a comparative adjective that compares one noun to another, while worst is a superlative adjective that compares one noun to a group of objects. For example, 

    “Generic vitamins are worse than brand-name competitors.” (low quality) 
    “Generic vitamins are the worst options available.” (lowest quality)

    How to remember the difference between worse and worst?

    There’s an old phrase in English that says, “if worst comes to worst” or “if worse comes to worst,” which means “if a bad situation becomes even worse,” or “worst-case scenario” (not worse case scenario).   

    American English uses either phrase interchangeably, but we recommend memorizing “if worse comes to worst” to remember how “bad” can go to “worse,” and “worse” can go to “worst.” 

    FAQ: Related to worse vs. worst

    Is badder or baddest a word?

    When the word “bad” (actually, as “baad”) conveys the “superabundance of good,” it no longer holds the same meaning of “worse” or “worst.” Therefore, many people resort to using “badder” or “baddest” as comparative and superlative forms. 

    While dry “standard English” doesn’t yet recognize the use of “badder” and “baddest,” the terms are still common within Black American Vernacular (American English). English teachers may dock grammar points for using “badder” or “baddest,” but until the textbooks catch up, we say it’s perfectly correct to use these terms in this fashion. 

    Is wurst an alternate spelling of worst?

    A wurst is a type of sausage, but it sounds nearly the same as the word “worst” (aka, homophones). 

    Test Yourself!

    Test how well you understand the difference between worse and worst with the following multiple-choice questions. 

    1. True or false: the adjective “worse” is the comparative form of “bad” or “ill.”
      a. True
      b. False
    2. Which is not a superlative form of the adjective “ill”? 
      a. Baddest
      b. Worst
      c. Illest
      d. None of the above
    3. If ___________ is ‘low quality,’ ___________ is the ‘lowest quality.’ 
      a. Iller, illest
      b. Worst, worse
      c. Badder, baddest
      d. Worse, worst
    4. For the phrase “she’s the worst,” the word worst is a _____________.
      a. Adjective
      b. Adverb
      c. Noun
      d. All of the above
    5. Which of the following phrases is incorrect? 
      a. If worse comes to worst
      b. Worse case scenario
      c. If worst comes to worst
      d. Worst case scenario

    Answers

    1. A
    2. A
    3. D
    4. C
    5. B

    Sources

    1. If the worst comes to the worst.” Cambridge Dictionary, Cambridge University Press, 2020.
    2. Kuehn, Paul R. “Homonyms, Homophones, and Homographs for ESL Students.” Owlcation, 18 May 2020. 
    3. Kperogi, Farooq A. “Black American Vernacular English Expressions You Should Know.” USA Africa Dialogue Series, Google Groups, 26 Feb 2017. 
    4. “The comparative and the superlative.” Resources for Learning English, EF Education First, 2020. 
    5. “Worse.” Lexico, Oxford University Press, 2020.
    6. “Worse.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., 2020.
    7. “Worst.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., 2020.
    8. “Worst.” The Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster Inc., 2020.

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