Comparative -er

Definition

The comparative -er is a morphological suffix used in English to form the comparative degree of adjectives and some adverbs, indicating a higher degree of a quality compared to another. This suffix typically attaches to one-syllable adjectives and some two-syllable adjectives, allowing for comparisons such as 'taller' or 'faster', which reflect differences in height or speed.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The comparative -er is often used with adjectives that are one syllable long but can also apply to certain two-syllable adjectives ending in 'y', like 'happier'.
2. When forming comparatives with -er, the standard practice is to add the suffix directly to the base form of the adjective, such as 'fast' becoming 'faster'.
3. For adjectives ending in a single consonant preceded by a single vowel, the final consonant is usually doubled before adding -er, as seen in 'big' turning into 'bigger'.
4. Irregular adjectives do not follow standard rules for forming comparatives; for instance, 'good' changes to 'better' instead of using -er.
5. The comparative -er is also used in adverbs when they take on an adjective form, as seen in the transformation from 'quickly' to 'more quickly', but it’s less common compared to adjectives.

Review Questions

• How does the comparative -er function in relation to other forms of morphology in English?
  • The comparative -er functions as a specific morphological tool within the broader study of morphology, which examines how words are structured and formed. It serves as a way to modify adjectives by indicating a comparison between two entities based on a certain quality. Understanding its use alongside other forms like superlatives helps highlight how English conveys differences and similarities through word formation.
• What are some exceptions or irregularities when using the comparative -er with certain adjectives?
  • While many adjectives can easily take the comparative -er suffix, there are notable exceptions due to irregular forms. For example, the adjective 'good' does not follow the regular pattern and instead becomes 'better' when forming the comparative. Similarly, some adjectives require additional words like 'more' instead of simply adding -er, demonstrating that English has specific rules that must be recognized for accurate usage.
• Evaluate the significance of morphological changes like the comparative -er in understanding language development and communication.
  • Morphological changes such as the comparative -er are significant because they reveal how language evolves and how people communicate complex ideas succinctly. The ability to compare qualities efficiently allows speakers to convey nuances in meaning without lengthy explanations. Understanding these morphological structures helps linguists and language learners appreciate the richness of language and its role in effective communication and cognitive processing.

Related terms

Superlative: A form of an adjective or adverb that expresses the highest degree of a quality, often formed with the suffix '-est', like 'tallest' or 'fastest'.

Morphology: The study of the structure and formation of words in a language, including how prefixes, suffixes, and roots combine to create meaning.

Adjective: A word that describes or modifies a noun, providing information about qualities, quantities, or characteristics, such as 'big', 'blue', or 'happy'.