Degree of Comparison

Degrees of Comparison

In English grammar, Degrees of Comparison are used to compare one thing to another. They describe qualities or states of nouns using adjectives in three degrees:

1. Positive Degree – Describes a single noun without comparison.
2. Comparative Degree – Compares two nouns.
3. Superlative Degree – Compares more than two nouns or shows the highest degree.

1. Positive Degree

This is the base form of the adjective. It simply describes a quality without comparison.

Example: She is tall.

2. Comparative Degree

This form compares two things and is often followed by the word “than”.

Example: She is taller than her brother.

3. Superlative Degree

This form shows the extreme or highest degree of quality among three or more things. It is usually preceded by “the”.

Example: She is the tallest in her class.

Comparison Table of Regular Adjectives

Positive	Comparative	Superlative
tall	taller	tallest
smart	smarter	smartest
easy	easier	easiest
happy	happier	happiest

Comparison Using "More" and "Most"

Adjectives with two or more syllables typically use “more” and “most”.

Positive	Comparative	Superlative
beautiful	more beautiful	most beautiful
difficult	more difficult	most difficult
interesting	more interesting	most interesting

Irregular Forms

Some adjectives have irregular comparative and superlative forms.

Positive	Comparative	Superlative
good	better	best
bad	worse	worst
far	farther / further	farthest / furthest
little	less	least

Examples in Sentences

• This road is longer than the other one. (Comparative)
• He is the most intelligent student in the class. (Superlative)
• This book is as interesting as that one. (Positive)
• My bag is lighter than yours. (Comparative)

Conclusion

Understanding the degrees of comparison helps us express differences clearly and effectively. Practice using positive, comparative, and superlative forms to improve both writing and speaking skills.