Comparison of Adjectives – JSS1 English Lesson Note (First Term)

Adjectives have three forms of comparison: positive, comparative and superlative. For example, clean is the positive, cleaner is the comparative and (the) cleanest is the superlative. We add -er or -est to adjectives with one syllable and to some adjectives with two syllables, such as those ending in -y, -er and -le.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• name the three forms of comparison;
• give the comparative and superlative of adjectives with one syllable;
• give the comparative and superlative of two-syllable adjectives ending in -y, -er and -le;
• identify adjectives that have two possible forms of comparison (-er/-est and more/most).

What are the forms of comparison?

There are three forms of comparison:

• positive
• comparative
• superlative

How do we compare adjectives with -er/-est?

Example: clean → cleaner → (the) cleanest

We use -er/-est with the following adjectives.

1.1 Adjectives with one syllable

1.2 Adjectives with two syllables and the following endings

1.2.1 Adjectives with two syllables, ending in -y

1.2.2 Adjectives with two syllables, ending in -er

1.2.3 Adjectives with two syllables, ending in -le

Which adjectives have two possible forms of comparison?

Some adjectives are special because they have two possible forms of comparison (-er/-est and more/most).

Evaluation

1. Name the three forms of comparison.
2. Write the comparative and superlative of: new, cheap, happy, pretty.
3. Write the comparative and superlative of clever and simple.
4. Give the two possible comparative forms of polite.

Assignment

Write the comparative and superlative of each adjective: clean, dirty, easy, common, pleasant.