Chapter 10
Magic mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all.
Making comparisons
Superlatives
Superlatives are used to compare one thing (people, animals, objects, etc.) to
others in a group. The superlative forms most and -est indicate the highest degree:
To compare two things - people, animals, objects, countries, etc. - and point out their superiority, equality or inferiority, we can use comparatives:
My mother is taller than me. (superiority), My sister is less tall than me. (inferiority), I am as tall as my mother. (equality).
When using a comparative of superiority, we add the suffix -er to short adjectives (one syllable) and the adverb more before long adjectives (two or more syllables). In both cases the preposition than is required:
My hair is longer than my sister's.
My brother's cap is more expensive than mine.
When using a comparative of equality, the base adjective does not change. In this case, (not) as ... as is responsible to establish the comparison:
You are as cool as your friend.
Boys are as intelligent as girls.
Artificial fruit juices are not as tasteful as natural ones.
Comparisons of inferiority are made by using the adverb less and the preposition than. In these cases, the base adjective also stays the same:
The chair is less comfortable than the couch.
My friend is less confident in herself than she should be.
It is also possible to compare one person (or thing) to himself/herself/itself:
I'd be happy if I were taller, had a smaller nose, bigger muscles, longer legs.
The Catcher in the Rye is the most interesting book I've ever read.
Water is the healthiest drink in the whole world.
You are the most amazing person I know.
The superlatives can also point out inferiority when the adverb least is used:
Reality shows are the least interesting program on TV.
Today is the least cold day of this winter.