Comparison (grammar) facts for kids

When we talk about comparison in grammar, we mean how we change adjectives (words that describe nouns) and adverbs (words that describe verbs or other adjectives/adverbs). We do this to show different levels of something.

Think about words like kind, kinder, and kindest. These are called the three "degrees" of comparison. We use them to compare things or people.

Understanding the Degrees of Comparison

In English grammar, adjectives and adverbs can change their form to show different levels of comparison. There are three main degrees:

Positive Degree: Just Describing

The positive degree is the basic form of an adjective or adverb. It simply describes one thing or action without comparing it to anything else.

• Example: "The dog is big." (We are just describing the dog.)
• Example: "She runs quickly." (We are just describing how she runs.)

Comparative Degree: Comparing Two Things

The comparative degree is used when you compare two things or actions. You often add "-er" to the end of the word or use the word "more" before it.

• Example: "My dog is bigger than your dog." (Comparing two dogs.)
• Example: "He runs more quickly than his friend." (Comparing two ways of running.)

Superlative Degree: Comparing Three or More

The superlative degree is used when you compare three or more things or actions. It shows which one has the most or least of a quality. You often add "-est" to the end of the word or use the word "most" before it.

• Example: "That is the biggest dog in the park." (Comparing one dog to all others in the park.)
• Example: "She runs the most quickly of all the runners." (Comparing one way of running to all others.)

Common Comparison Words

Sometimes, words don't just add "-er" or "-est." They change completely! Here are some common examples:

• Good, Better, Best: You say "This cake is good." If you compare two cakes, "This cake is better than that one." If it's the best of all, "This is the best cake ever!"
• Bad, Worse, Worst: "The weather is bad today." "Yesterday's weather was worse." "Last week was the worst weather of the year."
• Many/Much, More, Most: We use "many" for things you can count (like apples) and "much" for things you can't count (like water). But for comparisons, both use "more" and "most." "I have many books." "I have more books than you." "She has the most books."

Images for kids

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  This ancient letter from the Amarna period shows how people communicated long ago.

See also

In Spanish: Grado (gramática) para niños