Language Focus: Comparatives and Superlatives
Introduction to Comparative and Superlative Adjectives
It is common in physics to make comparisons to describe the motion or properties of an object. You might compare properties such as speed, mass, distance, or force.
Comparative Adjectives
Comparative adjectives are used to describe differences between objects or nouns.
Here is an example from the reading on gravity:
In other words, the force of gravity is stronger when the objects have a larger mass and are closer together.
Superlative Adjectives
The largest planet in the solar system is Jupiter.
Form
Rules about the form of comparatives and superlatives are based on the number of syllables in the adjective and the ending of the adjective. This includes the use of vowels or consonants. The 5 vowels in English are a, e, i, o, u. All other letters are called consonants.
Adjectives with 1 syllable
For adjectives with only one syllable, you generally add -er for comparatives and -est for superlatives.
| Adjective | Comparative (-er) | Superlative (-est) |
|---|---|---|
| small | smaller | smallest |
| high | higher | highest |
| great | greater | greatest |
If the adjective ends in a single vowel + a single consonant, the final consonant is doubled. Here is an example with the adjective big. An extra g is added to the comparative and superlative forms.
| Adjective | Comparative (-er) | Superlative (-est) |
|---|---|---|
| big | bigger | biggest |
If the adjective ends in -e, like the word large, you only need to add -r or -st.
| Adjective | Comparative (-er) | Superlative (-est) |
|---|---|---|
| large | larger | largest |
Adjectives ending in y
If the adjective ends in a consonant followed by a y, like heavy, the y is removed and -ier or -iest is added. This is true for both 1- and 2-syllable adjectives that end like this.
| Adjective | Comparative (-er) | Superlative (-est) |
|---|---|---|
| heavy | heavier | heaviest |
Adjectives with 2 or more syllables
Most other adjectives that have 2 or more syllables take more or most to form the comparative and superlative.
| Adjective | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|---|---|
| significant | more significant | most significant |
Use
The adjective that you choose to use depends on the noun or variable you are describing. Here are some common adjectives that are used to describe different variables in physics:
Speed & Velocity
| Adjective | Example |
|---|---|
| faster | Aeroplanes are faster than trains. |
| slower | Walking is slower than driving. |
| higher/greater | Trains travel at higher/greater speeds than trams. |
| lower | Cars often travel at lower speeds if it is raining. |
Acceleration
| Adjective | Example |
|---|---|
| greater | Acceleration on Earth is greater than on the moon. |
| lower | Lighter planets have a lower rate of acceleration. |
Mass
| Adjective | Example |
|---|---|
| greater | The mass of Jupiter is much greater than the mass of Earth. |
| less | The mass of Earth is far less than the mass of the Sun. |
Weight
| Adjective | Example |
|---|---|
| heavier | Objects are heavier on Jupiter than they are on Mars. |
| lighter | Objects are lighter on the Moon than they are on Earth. |
| less | If you travel to the moon, you will weigh less than on Earth. |
| greater | Weight is greater when acceleration is greater. |
Distance & Displacement
| Adjective | Example |
|---|---|
| farther | London to Sydney is farther than Tokyo to Sydney. |
| closer | My house is closer to the school than it is to the university. |
| greater | The total distance travelled was greater than the displacement. |
| smaller | The distance by boat is shorter than the distance by car. |
Force
| Adjective | Example |
|---|---|
| stronger/greater | The force of gravity is greater/stronger on Jupiter than on Mars. |
| weaker/smaller | Where I live, the force of the wind is weaker/smaller inland than it is on the coast. |
Discussion
In the comments below, try writing your own comparative and superlative sentences using some of the adjectives from this step.
English for STEM: Understanding Science Vocabulary
English for STEM: Understanding Science Vocabulary
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