Degree of Adjective: Definition, Examples & Rules | English Grammar

Welcome! In this lesson, you'll master the concept of Degree of Adjectives in English grammar. We'll explore the three degrees (positive, comparative, and superlative), learn how to form them, and understand when to use each one. Get ready for examples, tips, and a fun quiz!

What is Degree of Adjective?

Degree of Adjective Definition: Degree of Adjective refers to the three forms that adjectives can take to show different levels of comparison: Positive (basic form), Comparative (comparing two things), and Superlative (comparing more than two things).

Why are Degrees of Adjectives Important? They help us compare things and express different levels of qualities. For example, we can say something is "tall," "taller," or "tallest."

Function in Grammar

Degrees of adjectives allow us to compare nouns and show different levels of qualities. They help us express whether something has a quality, has more of that quality than something else, or has the most of that quality. For example:

• Positive: The cat is big.
• Comparative: The dog is bigger than the cat.
• Superlative: The elephant is the biggest animal.

Each degree serves a specific purpose in making comparisons and expressing different levels of qualities.

Examples of Degrees of Adjectives in Sentences

• Positive: The cat is small.
• Comparative: The mouse is smaller than the cat.
• Superlative: The ant is the smallest animal.
• Positive: She is happy.
• Comparative: He is happier than she is.
• Superlative: The baby is the happiest person.
• Positive: This is a beautiful flower.
• Comparative: That flower is more beautiful than this one.
• Superlative: The rose is the most beautiful flower.
• Positive: He is good at math.
• Comparative: She is better at math than he is.
• Superlative: Tom is the best student in class.
• Positive: The movie is long.
• Comparative: This movie is longer than that one.
• Superlative: The Lord of the Rings is the longest movie.

Notice how each degree serves a different purpose in making comparisons.

How to Form Degrees of Adjectives

• One-syllable adjectives: Add -er for comparative, -est for superlative (tall → taller → tallest)
• Two-syllable adjectives ending in -y: Change -y to -ier for comparative, -iest for superlative (happy → happier → happiest)
• Two or more syllable adjectives: Use "more" for comparative, "most" for superlative (beautiful → more beautiful → most beautiful)
• Irregular adjectives: Have special forms (good → better → best, bad → worse → worst)

Special Rules and Notes

• Use "than" with comparative: She is taller than her sister.
• Use "the" with superlative: He is the tallest boy in class.
• Double consonants: For one-syllable words ending in consonant-vowel-consonant, double the final consonant (big → bigger → biggest).
• Irregular forms: Some adjectives have completely different forms (good/better/best, bad/worse/worst, far/farther/farthest).
• Absolute adjectives: Some adjectives don't have degrees (unique, perfect, dead).
• Use "more" and "most": For adjectives with two or more syllables, use "more" and "most" instead of -er and -est.

Quick Quiz: Identify the Degree!

What degree is each adjective in these sentences?

• She is the smartest student.
• This book is more interesting.
• The weather is cold.
• He is better at sports.
• She is the most beautiful girl.

Answers: Superlative, Comparative, Positive, Comparative, Superlative

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an adjective?

An adjective is a word that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun, providing more information about its qualities, characteristics, or attributes.

How do you identify an adjective?

Adjectives answer questions like "What kind?", "Which one?", "How many?", or "How much?" about nouns.

What are the different types of adjectives?

Common types include descriptive adjectives, quantitative adjectives, demonstrative adjectives, possessive adjectives, interrogative adjectives, and proper adjectives.

Where do adjectives usually appear in a sentence?

Adjectives usually come before the noun they describe, but they can also come after linking verbs like "is," "are," "was," and "were."

Can adjectives be compared?

Yes, many adjectives have comparative and superlative forms to show degrees of comparison (e.g., tall, taller, tallest).

1

Conclusion

Understanding degrees of adjectives is essential for making comparisons in English. The three degrees (positive, comparative, and superlative) help us express different levels of qualities and compare things effectively. Remember the formation rules and practice using them in your writing and speaking!