In the English language, adjectives play a crucial role in expressing comparisons and describing the qualities of nouns. While most adjectives follow a regular pattern when forming their comparative and superlative forms, English has a few adjectives whose comparative and superlative forms are irregular. That is, they don't form the usual patterns for forming comparatives and superlatives (-er, -est; or -ier, iest; or more-, most-).
Irregular Adjectives: Good, Better, Best
| Positive | Comparative | Superlative |
| good | better | best |
One of the most frequently used irregular adjectives is "good." Its comparative form is "better," and the superlative form is "best." This irregularity is often encountered when comparing qualities, characteristics, or performance.
Examples:
- John is a good singer, but Mary is better.
- Among all the candidates, she is the best choice for the job.
Understanding 'Bad, Worse, Worst'
| Positive | Comparative | Superlative |
| bad | worse | worst |
Another commonly used irregular adjective is "bad." The comparative form is "worse," and the superlative form is "worst." This irregularity is often used to describe deteriorating conditions or qualities.
Examples:
- The weather today is bad, but it was worse yesterday.
- The situation couldn't get any worse; it's the worst it has ever been.
The Irregularity of 'Little, Less, Least'
| Positive | Comparative | Superlative |
| little | littler, less | littlest, least |
The adjective "little" has irregular forms when expressing a smaller quantity or degree. The comparative form is "less," and the superlative form is "least."
Examples:
- She has little experience, but her brother has even less.
- Out of all the options, that is the least attractive one.
Navigating 'Far, Farther, Furthest'
| Positive | Comparative | Superlative |
| far | farther, further | farthest, furthest |
When comparing distances or indicating a figurative sense of distance, the adjective "far" takes on irregular forms. The comparative forms can be either "farther" or "further," and the superlative forms can be either "farthest" or "furthest."
Examples:
- Our hotel is far from the airport, but the beach is even farther/further.
- Among all the cities we visited, Paris was the farthest/furthest.
Summary of Common Irregular Adjectives
It is fair to say that those adjectives known as "absolute terms" are also irregular adjectives, because they have no comparatives whatsoever. For ESL learners it is important to learn "good, better, best" and "bad, worse, worst" because they are very commonly used. Also, "more, most" and "less, least" are very commonly used.
| Base word | Comparative | Superlative |
| good | better | best |
| bad | worse | worst |
| little | less | least |
| much (many) | more | most |
| well | better | best |
| far | further | furthest |
Conclusion: Mastering Irregular Adjectives
English adjectives with irregular comparative and superlative forms add depth and variety to the language. Being aware of these irregularities will not only help you understand and use them correctly but also enhance your ability to express comparisons and describe qualities more effectively. Remember to practice using these irregular adjectives in context to become more comfortable with their usage.