Have you ever wondered how to express different degrees of comparison in English? The answer is through the degree of adjectives. The degree of adjectives is the way we modify or compare adjectives to express different degrees of intensity or quality. This can be done in three ways: positive, comparative, and superlative.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the degree of adjectives, its types, formation rules, and usage examples. We will also address some common questions about the degree of adjectives to help you gain a better understanding of this fundamental aspect of English grammar.
What is the Degree of Adjectives?
Positive Degree of Adjectives
The positive degree of adjectives is the simple form of an adjective, indicating that no comparison is being made. It is used to describe a noun or pronoun without any comparison. Examples include:
- The sky is blue.
- She is tall.
- He is handsome.
Comparative Degree of Adjectives
The comparative degree of adjectives is used to compare two nouns or pronouns. It is formed by adding “-er” to the end of the adjective for short adjectives and using “more” for longer adjectives. Examples include:
- The sky is bluer than yesterday.
- She is taller than her sister.
- He is more handsome than his brother.
Superlative Degree of Adjectives
The superlative degree of adjectives is used to compare three or more nouns or pronouns. It is formed by adding “-est” to the end of the adjective for short adjectives and using “most” for longer adjectives. Examples include:
- The sky is the bluest I have ever seen.
- She is the tallest in her class.
- He is the most handsome man I have ever met.
Rules for Formation of Degree of Adjectives
Formation of Comparative Degree
For short adjectives, we simply add “-er” to the end of the adjective to form the comparative degree. For longer adjectives, we use the word “more” before the adjective. Examples include:
- happy – happier
- friendly – friendlier
- intelligent – more intelligent
Formation of Superlative Degree
For short adjectives, we add “-est” to the end of the adjective to form the superlative degree. For longer adjectives, we use the word “most” before the adjective. Examples include:
- happy – happiest
- friendly – friendliest
- intelligent – most intelligent
Usage Examples of Degree of Adjectives
Comparative Examples
- John is taller than Tom.
- The weather today is better than yesterday.
- This book is more interesting than that one.
Superlative Examples
- John is the tallest boy in his class.
- The weather this week is the best we have had all year.
- This book is the most interesting book I have ever read.
FAQs about the Degree of Adjectives
Q: Can all adjectives have a comparative and superlative form?
A: No, some adjectives are already in their superlative form, such as “best,” “worst,” “most,” and “least.”
Q: Can we use the comparative and superlative forms for adjectives that are already comparative or superlative?
A: No, we cannot. For example, “more perfect” or “most perfect” are not correct because “perfect” is already a superlative form of the adjective, and we cannot compare something that is already at the highest degree.
Q: Is there any irregular comparative and superlative form of adjectives?
A: Yes, some adjectives have irregular comparative and superlative forms. For example, “good” becomes “better” in the comparative and “best” in the superlative, and “bad” becomes “worse” in the comparative and “worst” in the superlative.
Q: Can we use “more” and “most” with one-syllable adjectives?
A: Yes, we can use “more” and “most” with one-syllable adjectives, but it is more common to use the “-er” and “-est” endings.
Q: Can we use comparatives and superlatives with adverbs?
A: Yes, we can use comparatives and superlatives with adverbs to show a higher or lower degree of intensity. For example, “She sings more beautifully than her sister,” or “He speaks the fastest in the class.”
Conclusion:
The degree of adjectives is an important aspect of English grammar, allowing us to express different degrees of intensity and quality in our descriptions. By understanding the different types of degrees and their formation rules, we can use adjectives correctly and effectively to communicate our intended meaning.
Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner of English, mastering the degree of adjectives can take your language skills to the next level. So, keep practicing, and soon you’ll be a master at expressing degrees of comparison in English.
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