Try our fun facts about space quiz!

But firstly, let's learn about comparing things

We have a Sporcle quiz at the bottom of the page to test you on comparing objects in space, and a Kahoot! link if you want to play it that way. 

However, we are firstly going to learn about comparative and superlative adjectives.

Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights, over Ben Bulben mountain in Sligo, Ireland (Photo courtesy of Brian Quinn)

Understanding Comparative and Superlative Structures

Comparative and superlative structures help us describe differences between things. They make our sentences more interesting and allow us to express how things relate to each other. Let’s learn how to use them!

What Are Comparatives?

Comparatives are used to compare two things. They show how one thing is different from another. To form a comparative, we usually add “-er” to the end of an adjective. If the adjective is long (with two or more syllables), we use “more” before the adjective. Here are some examples:

  • Short adjectives:

    • Tall → Taller: "Tom is taller than Sam."
    • Fast → Faster: "A cheetah is faster than a lion."
  • Long adjectives:

    • Interesting → More interesting: "Space is more interesting than history."
    • Beautiful → More beautiful: "The Milky Way is more beautiful than a city skyline."

What Are Superlatives?

Superlatives are normally used to compare three or more things. They show the highest degree of something in a group. To form a superlative, we usually add “-est” to the end of an adjective. If the adjective is long, we use “most” before the adjective. Here are some examples:

  • Short adjectives:

    • Tall → Tallest: "Tom is the tallest boy in the class."
    • Fast → Fastest: "A cheetah is the fastest animal on land."
  • Long adjectives:

    • Interesting → Most interesting: "Space is the most interesting subject for me."
    • Beautiful → Most beautiful: "The Milky Way is the most beautiful thing I've seen."

Irregular Comparatives and Superlatives

Some adjectives don’t follow the regular rules. These are called irregular adjectives. Here are a few common ones:

  • Good → Better (comparative) → Best (superlative): "Apples are good, oranges are better, but I like mangoes the best."
  • Bad → Worse (comparative) → Worst (superlative): "This movie is bad, but the sequel is worse, and the third one is the worst."

Fun Practice with Space Vocabulary

Let’s use some space-related words to practice:

  • Big:

    • Comparative: Jupiter is bigger than Earth.
    • Superlative: Jupiter is the biggest planet in our solar system.
  • Far:

    • Comparative: Mars is farther from Earth than the Moon.
    • Superlative: Pluto is the farthest planet from Earth (among the planets).
  • Bright:

    • Comparative: Venus is brighter than Mars.
    • Superlative: Venus is the brightest planet in the night sky.

Now you know how to use comparative and superlative adjectives! Try making your own sentences using these forms. Think of your favorite things in space and describe them using comparatives and superlatives.

Have fun exploring and comparing, and try our quiz on comparing objects in space right here! 

Try our grammar quiz now!

Try the quiz on comparatives and superlatives on this Sporcle below. You need to read the two articles with space facts first though! If you want to revise some more, click the buttons below the quiz to look back at the articles. You can also play the quiz as a Kahoot! at this link:


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