Notes on the comparison of longer adjectives

1 Some two-syllable adjectives can form their comparatives and superlatives either with -er and -est or with more less and most/least

6 Adjectives

Other examples likepleasant are:clever common, gentle handsome happy, narrow quiet, shallow simple stupid tired [>6 23 in.5]. The opposites of such words, when formed with the prefix un-, can also form their comparatives and superlatives in two ways-e.g. uncommon unhappy unpleasant unhappier ormore unhappy unhappiest or most unhappy. Where there is uncertainty, it is safest to use more and most with two-syllable adjectives.

2 The comparatives and superlatives of other two-syllable adjectives
must always be with more/less and most/least. These include all
adjectives ending in -ful or -less (careful careless useful, useless).

Other examples of adjectives which form comparisons in this way are:(un)certam (in)correct (in)famous foolish (in)frequent modern, (ab)normal. Adjectives with more than two syllables compare withmore/most andless, least beautiful (un)comfortable dangerous expensive, (un)important (un)natural, (un)necessary

This applies to most compound adjectives as well, such as: quick-witted waterproof. But note compounds withgood well andbad good-looking — better-looking, (ormore good-looking) well-built — better-built (butmore well-built is sometimes heard);bad-tempered — worse-tempered (ormore bad-tempered).

3 Adjectives ending in -ed and -ing such as amused/amusing annoyed/annoying [> 6.15] requiremore,less andmost/least to formtheir comparatives and superlatives.

4 Note the form lesser which, though formed from less, is not a true comparative because it cannot be followed by than. Lesser means not so great in fixed phrases such as:to a lesser degree/extent lesser of two evils

The use of the comparative form of adjectives

We use the comparative when we are comparing one person or thing, etc. with another. Comparison may be between:

- single items: Jane is taller than Alice

- a single item and a group: Jane is taller than other girls

- two groups: The girls in class 3 are taller than

The girls in class 1