Degree of Adjectives- Definition, Types, Examples

Lesson Overview

• What Is the Degree of Adjectives?
• What Aare Types of Degrees of Adjectives?
• Rules For Using Degrees Of Adjectives
• Difference Between Positive Degree, Comparative Degree, And Superlative Degree
• Degree of Adjectives Examples
• Degrees Of Adjectives Assessment

Adjectives are essential building blocks of language. They add depth to our understanding of the world by providing details about qualities, characteristics, and properties. However, simply stating that something is "big" or "small" sometimes isn't enough.  

Degrees of adjectives allow us to express these qualities with greater precision and impact. They enable comparisons, highlighting subtle differences or emphasizing extremes. This ability to fine-tune descriptions enriches communication, making it more expressive and engaging.

What Is the Degree of Adjectives?

Degrees of adjectives are different forms of an adjective that show how strong or intense a quality is. They are used to compare things and describe how one thing is more, less, or the same in a certain way compared to another. 

By using these forms, we can express differences in qualities, such as saying something is bigger, smaller, or just as good as something else. 

Example:

He is taller than his friend. (Here the adjective ‘tall -> taller' is used for comparing the height of two people) 

Take This Quiz :

Degrees of Adjectives Test Quiz

What Aare Types of Degrees of Adjectives?

In English grammar, adjectives have the unique ability to express qualities in different kinds of degrees. This is achieved through three forms, known as degrees of comparison:

1. Positive Degree:

This is the base form of an adjective, used when no comparison is being made. It simply describes a noun or pronoun. 

• Examples: 

1. The cat is fluffy. 
2. The movie was interesting.
   

2. Comparative Degree:

This form is used to compare two nouns or pronouns, indicating that one possesses a higher degree of the quality described by the adjective. It is often formed by adding "-er" to the adjective or using "more" before it. It is also in comparison of sentences.

• Examples: 

1. This cat is fluffier than that one. 
2. This movie was more interesting than the last one.
   

3. Superlative Degree:

This form indicates the highest degree of a quality among three or more nouns or pronouns. It is often formed by adding "-est" to the adjective or using "most" before it. 

• Examples: 

1. This is the fluffiest cat I've ever seen. 
2. This was the most interesting movie of the year.
   

It is also important to note that:

• Some adjectives have irregular comparative and superlative forms (e.g., good, better, best).  
• Generally, "-er/-est" is used for shorter adjectives, while "more/most" is used for longer ones.

The choice between "-er/-est" and "more/most" can also depend on the sound and rhythm of the sentence.

Rules For Using Degrees Of Adjectives

1. Choosing the Correct Degree:

• Positive: Use the base form when no comparison is involved. (e.g., The tree is tall.)
• Comparative: Use for comparing two items, adding "-er" or "more." (e.g., This tree is taller than that one. or This film is more exciting than the book.)  
• Superlative: Use for comparing three or more items, adding "-est" or "most." (e.g., This is the tallest tree in the forest. or This is the most delicious cake I've ever tasted.)
  

2. Forming Comparatives and Superlatives:

• One-syllable adjectives: Add "-er/-est" (e.g., strong, stronger, strongest)  
• Two-syllable adjectives ending in -y: Change "y" to "i" and add "-er/-est" (e.g., happy, happier, happiest)
• Two or more syllables: Use "more/most" before the adjective (e.g., beautiful, more beautiful, most beautiful)
• Irregular adjectives: These have unique forms (e.g., good, better, best)
  

3. Avoiding Double Comparisons:

• Never combine "-er/-est" with "more/most" (e.g., Incorrect: more taller Correct: taller)
  

4. Using "Than" with Comparatives:

• Comparatives are often followed by "than" to indicate the comparison. (e.g., She is older than her brother.) 
  

5. Using "The" with Superlatives:

• Superlatives usually require "the" before the adjective. (e.g., He is the fastest runner.) 
  

6. Considering Word Order:

• When comparing qualities within the same subject, use "more" even with short adjectives. (e.g., She is more smart than athletic.)
  

7. Avoiding Absolutes with Comparatives/Superlatives:

• Words with absolute meanings (e.g., unique, perfect) generally don't have comparative or superlative forms.

Take This Quiz :

The degrees of comparison of adjectives

Difference Between Positive Degree, Comparative Degree, And Superlative Degree

The different kinds of degrees allow us to express varying levels of a quality, from simple descriptions to comparisons and superlatives.

Degree of Adjectives Examples

This table contains examples of commonly used adjective degrees that can be used in sentences.

Take This Quiz :

Adjectives and their degrees of comparison.

Degrees Of Adjectives Assessment

Exercise 1: Identify the degree of the adjective in each sentence (positive, comparative, or superlative).

1. The cat is fluffy.
2. This dog is fluffier than that one.
3. That cat is the fluffiest I've ever seen.
4. My house is big.
5. Her house is bigger than mine.
6. Their house is the biggest on the street.
7. This book is interesting.

Answer Key:

1. Positive
2. Comparative
3. Superlative
4. Positive
5. Comparative
6. Superlative
7. Positive
   

Exercise 2: Fill in the missing comparative and superlative forms of the adjectives.

1. Positive: small, Comparative: __________, Superlative: __________.
2. Positive: happy, Comparative: __________, Superlative: __________.
3. Positive: strong, Comparative: __________, Superlative: __________.
4. Positive: cold, Comparative: __________, Superlative: __________.
5. Positive: good, Comparative: __________, Superlative: __________.
6. Positive: bad, Comparative: __________, Superlative: __________.
7. Positive: little, Comparative: __________, Superlative: __________.

Answer Key:

1. smaller, smallest
2. happier, happiest
3. stronger, strongest
4. colder, coldest
5. better, best
6. worse, worst
7. less, least
   

Exercise 3: Complete the sentences using the correct degree of the adjective in parentheses.

1. This flower is __________(pretty) than that one.
2. She is the __________(tall) girl in her class.
3. The weather today is __________(nice).
4. This book is __________(interesting) than the movie.
5. He is the __________(intelligent) student in the school.
6. My bag is __________(heavy) than yours.
7. This is the __________(delicious) cake I've ever eaten.

Answer Key:

1. prettier
2. tallest
3. nice
4. more interesting
5. most intelligent
6. heavier
7. most delicious

Take This Quiz :

South Africa Geography Quiz!