by Susan Verner839,624 views Bigger, brighter, better, best…comparative and superlative adjectives are all around us in English.We use these adjectives to compare items, express preferences and give value judgments. Once your students have a strong grasp on adjectives, and this should happen in beginning level ESL classes, you can move their knowledge to the next level by tackling the harder world of comparatives and superlatives. Why do we use them?We use comparatives and superlatives to say how people or things are different. Comparative adjectives are used to compare two people or things. We use comparative adjectives to compare one noun to another noun. In this case, only two items are compared. For example, you can say that "the red balloon is higherthan the green balloon." Superlative adjectives are used to compare more than two people or things. We use superlative adjectives to compare thre or more nouns. We also use them to compare one thing against the rest of a group. Superlative adjectives demonstrate a higher level of comparison between entities. For example, "She's the fastestrunner in all the team." The StructureThe structure of comparative and superlative adjectives in English is quite simple. When comparing twocomparative adjectives, add –er to the adjective to express superiority. This holds true for any adjectives that are one or two syllables. For three syllable adjectives, use “more” to express the comparison.
To show that one item is the superlative, that is the greatest within a set group, add –est to an adjective of one or two syllables and use “most” for adjectives of three or more syllables. Also, use “the” in the comparison since the item’s superiority makes it a specific noun.
Be aware that many languages do not have the equivalent of the English superlative, so do not be surprised if your students show some confusion with the concept. Simply explain the idea in a way that makes sense to you and answer any questions that your students may have on the subject. Be patient and use teachable moments as they come along. Try These Activities for Using Comparatives and Superlatives
Comparatives and superlatives are simple English structures that give students and teachers lots of room for creativity and humor in the ESL classroom.When you teach or review comparatives and superlatives, make it fun for your students. What comparative and superlative activities do you use to bring fun into the classroom? P.S. If you enjoyed this article, please help spread it by clicking one of those sharing buttons below. And if you are interested in more, you should follow our Facebook page where we share more about creative, non-boring ways to teach English. Related Categories
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7 Excellent Activities for Using Comparatives and Superlatives: The Best and the Brightest (2024)
Table of Contents
Bigger, brighter, better, best…comparative and superlative adjectives are all around us in English.
Why do we use them?
The Structure
Try These Activities for Using Comparatives and Superlatives
Look Around You Race
These Are the People in Your Family
Home Style Interview
The "Most" Students
Board Game
Visual Experience
Color In
Comparatives and superlatives are simple English structures that give students and teachers lots of room for creativity and humor in the ESL classroom.
Popular articles like this
How to Teach Comparatives and Superlatives
Who’s the Best? 5 MORE Hands-On Activities for Using Superlatives
Survey Says…Using Comparatives and Superlatives to Talk about People
At the Top of Their Game
How Do You Feel About That? Teaching Students to Express Intensity
Gradable And Nongradable Adjectives
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