Comparatives and Superlatives in Languages
Adjectives are the words that add description, colour and detail to components of a sentence. They are generally used to describe a noun or a feeling or atmosphere, while comparatives and superlatives go further by comparing two or more nouns. The use of comparatives and superlatives is often a straightforward aspect of language-learning. They are less complex than verbs, tenses and cases, and are easy to use when you follow some simple rules.
What are comparatives and superlatives in languages?
They describe how people or things are different
When describing one thing it is good, when comparing it is best
Romance languages use comparatives and superlatives
Spanish Comparatives and Superlatives
Spanish is an expressive language and Spanish comparatives can be used to express equality, for example, "I am as tall as Maria." as well as differences, for example, "she is taller than me." Spanish comparative sentences show qualities that are similar, more or less abundant, or superior. When studying any comparative in Spanish, it is best to know the adjectives in advance.
Spanish comparatives and Spanish comparative adjectives combine a modifier with an adjective so the form is something like: "more (tall) than" or "más (alto) que". Making an equal comparison is formed by saying "as (adjective) as" or "tan (alto) que". Superlatives are formed by using the definite article with a modifier and the noun: "the most tall" or "el más alto". Regular Spanish comparisons are relatively easy to learn, once you have a good number of adjectives to work with.
Test first lesson of every course for freeStudying Comparative and Superlative Forms in Spanish
Spanish comparative words are quite easily learned and are a great way to quickly build your language skills
Frequent Spanish comparisons practice will enable you to gather a useful selection of descriptive vocabulary and expressions
Spanish comparative and superlative forms follow straightforward rules
Learning a language with an app enables you to drill new grammatical forms over and over. A little Spanish comparatives practice daily is most effective
What are French comparatives and superlatives?
Again, French comparative sentences allow you to compare two nouns, while French comparative superlative forms let you compare more than two to express the ones that have the 'most' or 'least' quality. There are three French comparative forms and two French superlative forms:
Aussi...que (as...as)
Moins...que (less than)
Plus...que (more than)
Le plus (the most)
Le moins (the least)
What are Italian comparatives and superlatives?
Comparisons in Italian are formed by adding a modifier such as più (more) or meno (less) to an adjective. The best way to study these forms is to first, become familiar with Italian adjectives, and then practise modifying them in sentences using the relevant form. Expressing superlatives is achieved by combining one of these modifiers with an article and the adjective, for instance, “the most tall” (il più alto). Studying the use of Italian comparatives and superlatives is a straightforward aspect of learning this language. These forms are less complex than verbs and tenses, for example, and are easy to use when you follow some simple rules.
Practice Makes Perfect
When learning any new grammatical structure in Spanish, French or Italian, regular practice is key. Using an app like Babbel enables you to practise comparatives and superlatives in short bursts while on a daily commute or during the ad break in a TV show. Daily practice of a language is one of the best ways to remember all the comparative and superlatives you have learned so far, and continue building on this knowledge to grow your vocabulary and language skills. If you are wondering how can you incorporate your Italian learning into your daily routine, one of the easiest solutions is with an app that enables you to practise in your own time and at your own pace.