We usually add -er and -est to an adjective to make it comparative or superlative. However, some adjectives use different rules when spelling their comparative and superlative forms.
Adjectives that end in -e only add an -r or an-st.
white – whiter – whitest
nice – nicer – nicest
blue – bluer – bluest
cute – cuter – cutest
fine – finer – finest
Single syllable adjectives ending in a consonant sometimes double the consonant before adding -er or -est.
big – bigger – biggest
mad – madder – maddest
sad – sadder – saddest
wet – wetter – wettest
hot – hotter – hottest
Adjectives ending in -y sometimes change the -y to -i before adding -er or -est.
happy – happier – happiest
angry – angrier – angriest
hungry – hungrier – hungriest
silly – sillier – silliest
hairy – hairier – hairiest
Some adjectives change their spelling when becoming comparative or superlative.
▶It’s your turn. Fill in the blanks with the correct adjectives. The cake is tasty. The pie is _______. The ice cream is the _____________ of all. Did you figure out how to spell the comparative and superlative forms of the adjective? Good for you!