English Language Arts
Grade 3
15 min
Identify comparative and superlative adjectives
Identify comparative and superlative adjectives
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define comparative and superlative adjectives.
Identify the correct suffix (-er or -est) to add to an adjective.
Distinguish between comparing two things versus comparing three or more things.
Choose the correct comparative or superlative adjective to complete a sentence.
Write a simple sentence using a comparative adjective.
Write a simple sentence using a superlative adjective.
Which is the tallest building in your town? 🏙️ How do we use words to compare it to other buildings?
Today, we will learn about special adjectives that help us compare things! These are called comparative and superlative adjectives. Knowing how to use them will make your writing and speaking much more descriptive and clear.
Real-World Applications
Describing which friend is...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
AdjectiveA word that describes a person, place, or thing (a noun).The **happy** dog wagged its tail. ('Happy' describes the dog.)
Comparative AdjectiveAn adjective used to compare TWO people, places, or things.My cat is **smaller** than your dog. (Compares two animals.)
Superlative AdjectiveAn adjective used to compare THREE OR MORE people, places, or things.That is the **biggest** tree in the whole park. (Compares one tree to all the others.)
Suffix -erAn ending added to an adjective to make it comparative.slow + er = **slower**
Suffix -estAn ending added to an adjective to make it superlative.slow + est = **slowest**
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Key Rules & Conventions
The '-er' Rule for Two
Adjective + er
When you compare exactly two nouns, add '-er' to the end of the adjective. Often, the word 'than' will be in the sentence.
The '-est' Rule for Three or More
The + Adjective + est
When you compare three or more nouns, add '-est' to the end of the adjective. You will almost always see the word 'the' before the adjective.
The 'y' to 'i' Rule
Change 'y' to 'i' before adding -er or -est.
If a short adjective ends in 'y', you must change the 'y' to an 'i' before adding your new ending. For example, 'happy' becomes 'happier' or 'happiest'.
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Challenging
Read the paragraph. Which sentence contains a superlative adjective? (1) My family went to the zoo. (2) We saw a lion that was louder than a tiger. (3) We also saw the tallest giraffe in the whole world. (4) It was a fun day.
A.Sentence 1
B.Sentence 2
C.Sentence 3
D.Sentence 4
Challenging
The sentence 'Of the three bikes, this one is the faster' is incorrect. How should it be fixed?
A.Of the three bikes, this one is the more fast.
B.Of the three bikes, this one is the fastest.
C.Of the three bikes, this one is fast.
D.The sentence is already correct.
Challenging
The sentence 'Which is the smallest, the ant or the beetle?' is incorrect. How should it be fixed?
A.Which is the most small, the ant or the beetle?
B.Which is smallest, the ant or the beetle?
C.Which is smaller, the ant or the beetle?
D.The sentence is already correct.
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