Adjectives and adverbs express the signs of objects. But sometimes it becomes necessary to note that a sign in one object is more pronounced than in another, that is, compare them. To do this, you can use the degree of comparison of adjectives and adverbs. There are three different degrees of comparison that give adjectives and adverbs certain semantic connotations. In this article, we will examine how each of the degrees is formed.
Comparative and positive degrees of adjectives
First of all, it should be remembered that only qualitative adjectives can vary in degree. A positive degree indicates that the item’s attribute is not compared with anything. He is simply called. These are the adjectives that we regularly use. For example: soft, hard, long, beautiful, old, etc.
A comparative degree is used when it is necessary to compare two similar features.
Only one of them will be expressed more strongly or, conversely, less. This degree is used when, for example, it is about age (someone older / younger) or the size of something (more / less), etc. A comparative degree can be formed in several ways. It all depends on the word itself. If you use a monosyllabic adjective or a two-syllable, then you only need to add the –er suffix to it. Examples: long - longer (long - longer), short - shorter (short, shorter). If the adjective is a polysyllabic word, then it is preceded by more (an analogue of the Russian “more”), and the adjective itself remains unchanged. Examples: more beautiful (more beautiful), more effective (more effective).
Excellent degree
This degree indicates that the pro sign is expressed in the greatest or least degree, in comparison with other similar ones. For example, we use superlatives when we say that someone is the oldest or, conversely, the youngest in the family. How is superlatives formed? If a monosyllabic adjective or a two-syllable is used, then the suffix –est only joins it. Examples: big - biggest (big - biggest), easy - easiest (simple - the easiest).
If the adjective is polysyllabic, then most is added to it (an analogue of the Russian "most"). Examples: beautiful - most beautiful (beautiful - the most beautiful), effective - most effective (effective - the most effective).
The degree of comparison of adverbs in English
Adverbs change the degree of comparison according to the same principle as adjectives. First, the suffixes –er and –est are used.
Examples: quick - quicker - quickest, fast - faster - fastest (fast - faster - fastest). Despite the fact that basically the same principle is used as in the case of adjectives, there are some differences. The formation of degrees of comparison of adverbs in the English language depends not only on the number of syllables, but also on what letters are at the end of the word.
Polysyllabic dialects and those ending in –ly (early and loudly are exceptions) form a comparison with more and most. Examples: wisely (wisely) - more wisely (more wisely) - most wisely (most wisely). It is also worth noting that the degree of comparison of adverbs in the English language can be formed and not according to the rules. There is a list of exception words:
- well - better - (the) best;
- badly - worse - (the) worst;
- far - farther / further - farthest / furthest and other words.
Why do the last words have several forms? They are used in different situations and have different meanings. If we are talking about a specific distance, then it is better to use farther - farthest. If the sentence refers to time (for example, "further actions"), then the use of further - furthest will be more appropriate.
Why do we need to be able to change the comparative forms of adjectives and adverbs?
First of all, this is one of the basic topics in English grammar. For those who plan to take any exams in the future, it is especially important. Also, comparisons are very often used in ordinary everyday speech. Therefore, mastering them will also be useful for those who want to speak English confidently and understand someone else’s speech.
After all, comparisons help express emotions, create realistic descriptions, talk about relationships to what degree of closeness people connect, mention age and much more. In short, a comparative degree is found in completely different situations, and without the ability to use it, communication difficulties may arise.
So, the degrees of comparison of adverbs in English very closely overlap with the degrees of comparison of adjectives. However, in order to avoid mistakes, it is worth remembering the differences. To do this, you can practice and perform various exercises on the degree of comparison of adverbs in English and the degree of adjectives.