We can also compare adjectives in a few ways in order to demonstrate varying degrees of a quality in an object. One way to do this is to use comparative adjectives. A comparative adjective is used to show that an object possesses more, equal, or less of a quality than another object.

More (greater degree of a quality)

• More + longer adjective + than
  • This student is more dedicated than that one. 
• short adjective + -er + than
  • Which bookshelf is shorter than the desk? 

Equal (same degree of a quality)

• as + adjective + as
  • This student is as dedicated as that one.
  • That bookshelf is as tall as the desk. 

Less (lesser degree of a quality)

• not as + adjective + as
  • This student is not as dedicated as that one. 
  • That bookshelf is not as tall as the desk. 
• less + adjective + than
  • This student is less dedicated than that one. 

Another way to compare qualities of objects in to use the superlative. The superlative is used to show the highest degree of a quality that an object has. We can form the superlative in two ways:

• the + short adjective + -est
  • Are you the tallest person in the room?
  • The fastest route is the one Andres suggested. 
• the most + long adjective
  • I am the most experienced. 
  • These are the most qualified candidates.

English, like other languages in this tutorial, contains several irregular adjectives: good, better, best, much, more, and most. It is likely that you see similar irregular adjectives in the language you are studying. 

Resources

• Introductory video on comparative and superlative (4:10)
• Video on the formation of comparatives and superlatives (7:39)