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 like pleasant 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 or more 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 with more/most and less, 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 with good well and bad good-looking — better-looking, (or more good-looking) well-built — better-built (but more well-built is sometimes heard); bad-tempered — worse-tempered (or more bad-tempered).
3 Adjectives ending in -ed and -ing such as amused/amusing annoyed/annoying [> 6.15] require more,less and most/least to form their 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
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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