Using the comparative of adjectives in English is quite easy once you have understood the few simple rules that govern them.
Below you will find the rules with examples for each condition.
If you are not sure what a syllable or a consonant is - have a look here.
Rules
Number of syllables Comparative Superlative (see rule)
one syllable
+ -er
+ -est
tall
taller
tallest
one syllable with the spelling consonant + single vowel + consonant: double the final consonant:
fat
fatter
fattest
big
bigger
biggest
sad
sadder
saddest
Number of syllables Comparative Superlative
two syllables + -er OR more + adj + -est OR most + adj
ending in: -y, -ly, -ow
ending in: -le, -er or -ure
these common adjectives - handsome, polite, pleasant, common, quiet
happy
happier/ more happy
happiest/ most happy
yellow
yellower/ more yellow
yellowest/ most yellow
simple
simpler/ more simple
simplest/ most simple
tender
tenderer/ more tender
tenderest/ most tender
If you are not sure, use MORE + OR MOST +
Note: Adjectives ending in '-y' like happy, pretty, busy, sunny, lucky etc:. replace the -y with -ier or -iest in the comparative and superlative form
busy
busier
busiest
Number of syllables Comparative Superlative
three syllables or more more + adj most + adj
important more important
most important
expensive more expensive most expensive
Examples
A cat is fast, a tiger is faster but a cheetah is the fastest
A car is heavy, a truck is heavier, but a train is the heaviest
A park bench is comfortable, a restaurant chair is more comfortable, but a sofa is the most comfortable
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