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Degrees of Comparison

Degrees of Comparison are used to show the difference in the quality of a noun. There are three degrees of comparison.

  1. The Positive Degree
  2. The Comparative Degree
  3. The Superlative Degree

1. The Positive Degree of an adjective is used when we do not make any comparison.
 For example:
 Rajat is an intelligent boy.
 Mamta is a tall girl.
 Here, the words intelligent and tall are said to be in the positive degree. 

2. The Comparative Degree of an adjective is used when we compare two persons or things.
 For example:
 Anil is more intelligent than Rajat.
 Riya is taller than Mohita.
 Here, the words more intelligent and taller are said to be in the comparative degree. 

3. The Superlative Degree of an adjective is used when we compare more than two persons or things.
 For example:
 Sajal is the most intelligent of the three.
 Neha is the tallest of the three.
 Here, the words most intelligent and tallest are said to be in the superlative degree.

Remember these points

  • The positive degree of an adjective is its original form and shows the simple existence of a quality.
  • The comparative degree indicates a higher degree of quality than the positive degree.
  • The superlative degree indicates the highest degree of quality.
  • The comparative degree usually follows the word than, while the superlative degree is preceded by the and followed by of.
  • Adjectives such as superior, inferior, senior, and junior are followed by to.

 FORMATION OF COMPARATIVE AND SUPERLATIVE DEGREES

1. By adding –er and –est to the positive degree.

PositiveComparativeSuperlative
greatgreatergreatest
highhigherhighest
lowlowerlowest
deepdeeperdeepest
strongstrongerstrongest
boldbolderboldest
talltallertallest
richricherrichest
youngyoungeryoungest

 2. By adding –r and –st to the positive degree ending in –e.

PositiveComparativeSuperlative
noblenoblernoblest
ableablerablest
bravebraverbravest
largelargerlargest
wisewiserwisest
densedenserdensest
safesafersafest

 3. By changing the last ‘y’ of the positive degree into ‘e’ and adding –er and –est.

PositiveComparativeSuperlative
lazylazierlaziest
happyhappierhappiest
drydrierdriest
busybusierbusiest
prettyprettierprettiest
healthyhealthierhealthiest

 4. By doubling the final (last) consonant of positive degree if preceded by a vowel and then adding –er and –est.

PositiveComparativeSuperlative
bigbiggerbiggest
hothotterhottest
thinthinnerthinnest
fatfatterfattest
sadsaddersaddest
wetwetterwettest

 5. By adding more to the positive degree to form the comparative degree and most to form the superlative degree. Remember that these adjectives are usually of two syllables and more than two syllables.

PositiveComparativeSuperlative
carefulmore carefulmost careful
importantmore importantmost important
interestingmore interestingmost interesting
powerfulmore powerfulmost powerful
obedientmore obedientmost obedient
beautifulmore beautifulmost beautiful
intelligentmore intelligentmost intelligent
pleasantmore pleasantmost pleasant
difficultmore difficultmost difficult
famousmore famousmost famous
popularmore popularmost popular

6. By comparing in irregular way.

PositiveComparativeSuperlative
goodbetterbest
badworseworst
farfartherfarthest
latelaterlatest
littlelessleast
many, muchmoremost
oldolder, elderoldest, eldest

Note: Double comparatives and double  superlatives are not used. 
For example:

  • Incorrect : He is more taller than his brother.
    Correct : He is taller than his brother.
  • Incorrect : He is the most best boy in the class.
    Correct : He is the best boy in the class.

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FAQs on Principles of Comparison of Adjectives - English Class 8

1. What are the three degrees of comparison in adjectives?
Ans. The three degrees of comparison in adjectives are positive, comparative, and superlative. The positive degree describes a quality without comparing it to anything else (e.g., tall). The comparative degree compares two things (e.g., taller), and the superlative degree compares three or more things, showing the highest degree of quality (e.g., tallest).
2. How do you form the comparative and superlative degrees of adjectives?
Ans. To form the comparative degree, you typically add "-er" to the end of the adjective or use "more" before it if the adjective has two or more syllables (e.g., "more beautiful"). For the superlative degree, you usually add "-est" to the end or use "most" before it (e.g., "the most beautiful"). However, there are many irregular adjectives that do not follow these rules (e.g., good, better, best).
3. Can you provide examples of adjectives that have irregular forms in comparison?
Ans. Yes, some common irregular adjectives include: - Good, better, best - Bad, worse, worst - Far, farther, farthest These adjectives do not follow the standard rules for forming comparatives and superlatives.
4. When should I use "more" or "most" instead of adding "-er" or "-est"?
Ans. You should use "more" or "most" for adjectives that have two or more syllables, as adding "-er" or "-est" can sound awkward or be grammatically incorrect. For example, we say "more intelligent" instead of "intelligent-er" and "the most beautiful" instead of "beautiful-est."
5. What is the importance of using the correct degree of comparison in writing?
Ans. Using the correct degree of comparison is important in writing because it helps convey the intended meaning clearly. It allows the reader to understand the relationships between different objects or subjects being compared, enhancing the clarity and richness of the description. Incorrect usage can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.
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