Comparatives and Superlatives
English compares adjectives on a two-form rule. Short adjectives (one syllable) take -er / -est (fast → faster → the fastest). Long adjectives (two or more syllables) take more / the most (efficient → more efficient → the most efficient). The spelling rules add precision: drop -e (large → larger), double the consonant (big → bigger), y → ier (easy → easier). A small set of irregulars has to be memorised: good → better → the best, bad → worse → the worst, far → further → the furthest, little → less → the least, much/many → more → the most. The classic structural alternatives: as…as (equality), not as…as (negative equality), the…the… (parallel change — The clearer the communication, the fewer the misunderstandings).
This worksheet builds A2 control of comparative and superlative forms through spelling drills, structure practice, and personalised production.
Worksheet preview
What’s inside:
- Grammar Box with both form rules, the irregular list, and the four key structures (comparative + than, as…as, not as…as, the…the…)
- Form-rule drill: spell the comparative and superlative of 15 adjectives covering all five spelling rules
- Gap-fill: complete sentences with the correct comparative or superlative form
- As…as and not as…as construction: build equality and inequality sentences
- Full Answer Key plus Teacher Notes on the no-double-comparative rule and the further / farther distinction
Common mistakes addressed: double comparatives (more better, more easier), wrong spelling (biger, easyer), more with short adjectives (more fast), and missing the with superlatives (She is best in the team).
For: Adult and teenage learners (14+) at CEFR A2, in pre-intermediate classes, 1:1 lessons, or self-study. Comparative and superlative accuracy is tested directly in Cambridge A2 Key (KET) and B1 Preliminary (PET) Reading-Use of English and Speaking. Part of the Adjectives & Adverbs collection — the natural sibling is -Ed and -Ing Adjectives, which covers the parallel adjective-form decision at B1.
