Degrees of Comparison: Definitions, Rules, Types & Examples

The degrees of comparison are an essential part of English grammar that allow us to compare qualities of nouns and pronouns. Whether you are describing one person, comparing two things or highlighting the best among many. The correct use of degrees of comparison makes your sentences clearer, sharper, and more effective.

In this guide, we will cover the definition, rules, types, lists and examples of degrees of comparison along with a worksheet and answers to help you master this concept.

What Are Degrees of Comparison?

In English grammar, degrees of comparison are variations in the form of adjectives and adverbs used to express differences in qualities. They help describe how one thing or person is similar to or different from another in terms of size, beauty, strength, importance, or any measurable quality.

There are three main types of degrees of comparison:

1. Positive Degree – Used when describing a single noun without any comparison.
   
   • Example: “Mike is tall.”
     
2. Comparative Degree – Used to compare two people or things.
   
   • Example: “Robert is taller than Mike.”
     
3. Superlative Degree – Used to compare three or more people or things.
   
   • Example: “Robert is the tallest in the class.”

Rules for Using Degrees of Comparison

To use degrees of comparison correctly, follow these grammar rules:

Rule 1: Positive Degree (No Comparison)

Used when describing a quality without comparison.

• Example: “She is kind.”

Rule 2: Comparative Degree (Two Entities)

Formed by adding -er to the adjective or using more before it, usually followed by than.

• Example: “She is kinder than her friend.”
• Example: “He is more intelligent than his brother.”

Rule 3: Superlative Degree (Three or More Entities)

Formed by adding -est or using most.

• Example: “She is the kindest girl in the class.”
• Example: “He is the most intelligent student of all.”

Rule 4: Avoid Double Comparatives or Superlatives

❌ Incorrect: “She is more smarter than him.”
✅ Correct: “She is smarter than him.”

Rule 5: Don’t Use More or Most with Absolute Adjectives

❌ Incorrect: “This line is more parallel than that one.”
✅ Correct: “This line is parallel; the other is not.”

Rule 6: Use “to” Instead of “than” with Specific Adjectives

Words like senior, junior, superior, inferior, preferable, elder are always followed by to.

• Example: “I am senior to her.”

Rule 7: Compare Similar Things

❌ Incorrect: “This wall color is more beautiful than the old one.”
✅ Correct: “This wall color is more beautiful than that of the old one.”

Rule 8: Comparative in Superlative Sense

• Use any other when comparing within the same group.
  
  • Example: “Krishna is prettier than any other girl in her class.”
    
• Use any when comparing outside the group.
  
  • Example: “Mumbai is cleaner than any city in India.”

Examples of Degrees of Comparison

Here are examples showing positive, comparative, and superlative degrees:

List of Degrees of Comparison

Different adjectives follow different rules. Here’s a list:

1. Doubling the final consonant + er/est

• Big → Bigger → Biggest
• Hot → Hotter → Hottest

2. Adding er/est to monosyllabic adjectives

• Bright → Brighter → Brightest
• Cool → Cooler → Coolest

3. Adding r/st to words ending in “e”

• Large → Larger → Largest
• Simple → Simpler → Simplest

4. Changing “y” to “i” + er/est

• Dry → Drier → Driest
• Wealthy → Wealthier → Wealthiest

5. Using more/most with longer adjectives

• Sensible → More sensible → Most sensible
• Faithful → More faithful → Most faithful

6. Irregular adjectives

• Good → Better → Best
• Bad → Worse → Worst
• Little → Less → Least

Degrees of Comparison Worksheet (With Answers)

Questions

1. Health is ______ than wealth. (important)
2. Ashoka was one of the ______ emperors in India. (wise)
3. F.R.I.E.N.D.S is the ______ series. (watched)
4. Mona is the ______ girl I’ve ever met. (friendly)
5. The peacock is one of the ______ birds. (beautiful)
6. Silver is ______ than iron. (heavy)
7. Nobody is ______ you. (good)
8. This book is ______ than that. (interesting)
9. Einstein was the ______ scientist of his time. (intelligent)
10. Khushi is ______ than Tina. (happy)

Answers

1. More important
2. Wisest
3. Most watched
4. Friendliest
5. Most beautiful
6. Heavier
7. As good as
8. More interesting
9. Most intelligent
10. Happier

Conclusion

The degrees of comparison—positive, comparative and superlative are a fundamental aspect of English grammar. By following the rules and practicing with examples, you can make your communication more precise and effective. Whether you are writing essays, preparing for IELTS, or polishing your everyday English, mastering degrees of comparison will significantly improve your language skills.

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