Want to say your city is bigger than mine? Or that your grandma makes the best cookies? Today you’ll learn how to compare things in clear, natural English using comparatives (bigger, more interesting) and superlatives (the biggest, the most interesting).

By the end, you’ll know the main rules, useful irregular forms (good → better → best), and polite, real-life ways to compare at work, school, and when traveling. We’ll practice as we go—short exercises after each mini-lesson.

What are comparatives?

Comparatives compare two people or things.

• Short adjectives (1 syllable, like tall, small, fast): add -er → taller, smaller, faster
• Adjectives ending in -y: change y to i + -er → easy → easier, funny → funnier
• Longer adjectives (2+ syllables): use more + adjective → more careful, more interesting
• Use than to show the second thing: A is taller than B

Examples:

The blue bag is than the green one.

Quick check: Choose the right comparative

Pick the correct option for each sentence.

Superlatives: the number one

Superlatives show the top or bottom of a group (3+ things). Always use the.

• Short adjectives: adjective + -est → the tallest, the fastest
• Adjectives ending in -y: y → i + -est → the happiest
• Longer adjectives: the most + adjective → the most expensive

Examples:

Mount Everest is the mountain in the world.

Irregular and useful comparisons

Some common adjectives don’t follow the regular -er/-est or more/most pattern:

• good → better → the best
• bad → worse → the worst
• far → farther/further → the farthest/the furthest (both are fine; further is also used for “more” in time/ideas)
• many/much → more → the most
• little → less → the least

Examples:

Practice: real-life comparisons

Put the conversation in the right order. Imagine two friends choosing a restaurant.

Common mistakes (and how to fix them)

These errors are very common—and easy to correct.

This phone is more easier to use. → This phone is easier to use. Don’t use more with -er forms. Choose either easier or more easy (but easier is better). She is the most fastest runner. → She is the fastest runner. Use the with a single superlative form: fastest, not most fastest. My city is the bigger than yours. → My city is bigger than yours. Use the with superlatives, not comparatives. Today is more hot than yesterday. → Today is hotter than yesterday. Short adjective hot → hotter (double t).

Useful comparison vocabulary

Here are common adjectives you’ll compare every day. Notice which ones use -er/-est and which take more/most.

Quick practice: add than

Reorder the words to make a natural comparative sentence.

This sofa is than the armchair.

Cultural and usage notes

• In advertising and reviews, you’ll often see superlatives: "the best coffee," "the fastest network." These are strong claims; native speakers use them a lot for marketing.
• In polite English, we often soften comparisons: "This option is a bit cheaper," "Your idea might be more effective."
• When talking about locations, choose the right preposition with superlatives: "the best in the city," "the most popular at our school," "the tallest in the world."

Try using comparatives when you describe your day: "Today was busier than yesterday." Then add one superlative about your week: "Friday was the best day."

Final mini-practice

Write 3 sentences:

1. Compare two things in your life (use than).
2. Use an irregular comparative (better/worse/more/less).
3. Use a superlative with the.

Example answers:

• My street is quieter than the main road.
• I need more sleep than last week.
• Saturday is the best day for me.

Great work! Keep noticing comparatives and superlatives in songs, ads, and conversations. The more you see them, the more natural they will feel.