When do I use "more" instead of adding -er?

Use "more" with longer adjectives (two or more syllables), like "more expensive" or "more comfortable." Never combine both forms — "more cheaper" is wrong; say "cheaper."

Do comparatives and superlatives need a specific word after them?

Yes — always pair a comparative with "than": "The train is faster than the bus." Superlatives instead take "the": "It is the best choice."

Grammar

Comparatives & Superlatives

cheaper, more convenient, the best — how to compare options correctly. Essential for Speaking Task 5 and Writing Task 2 (choosing between two options).

6 min read · Updated June 18, 2026 · By the Celpip.me editorial team · Free

Quick answer

Updated Sep 16, 2026

Short adjectives (one syllable, or two ending in -y) take -er/-est: cheap → cheaper → the cheapest. Adjectives with 2 or more syllables use more/most instead: convenient → more convenient → the most convenient. Pair comparatives with "than" and superlatives with "the." This structure drives CELPIP Speaking Task 5 and Writing Task 2, where you compare two options.

When do I use "more" instead of adding -er?: Use "more" with longer adjectives (two or more syllables), like "more expensive" or "more comfortable." Never combine both forms — "more cheaper" is wrong; say "cheaper."
Do comparatives and superlatives need a specific word after them?: Yes — always pair a comparative with "than": "The train is faster than the bus." Superlatives instead take "the": "It is the best choice."
What are the irregular comparison forms I need to memorize?: good → better → best, bad → worse → worst, far → further/farther → furthest/farthest, little → less → least, and much/many → more → most.

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Key strategies

1.Short adjectives add -er / -est: cheap → cheaper → the cheapest.
2.Long adjectives (2+ syllables) use more / most: convenient → more convenient → the most convenient.
3.Use "than" with comparatives: "A is cheaper THAN B." Use "the" with superlatives: "the best option".
4.Irregulars: good → better → best; bad → worse → worst; far → further → furthest.

Comparatives (comparing two)

Short adjectives (one syllable, or two ending in -y): add -er, and change -y to -ier:
- cheap → cheaper, big → bigger, easy → easier.
Longer adjectives: use more:
- expensive → more expensive, comfortable → more comfortable.

Always pair a comparative with than:

"The train is faster than the bus." "This option is more practical than that one."

Superlatives (comparing three or more)

Short: -est with the: the cheapest, the biggest.
Long: the most: the most expensive, the most reliable.

"It is the best choice for our budget."

Irregular forms (memorise)

good → better → best · bad → worse → worst · far → further/farther → furthest/farthest · little → less → least · much/many → more → most.

Avoid double comparatives: ✗ "more cheaper" → ✓ "cheaper".

CELPIP application

Speaking Task 5 (Comparing & Persuading) and Writing Task 2 are built on comparison. Confident comparatives make your case: "The cabin is cheaper and more relaxing than the hotel, so it is the better choice for us."

Check yourself

A quick self-check on this lesson — pick an answer, then see the explanation. Not graded.

1. Choose the correct comparative: "The train is ___ the bus."

2. "This is ___ option for our budget."

3. Long adjective comparative: "Option A is ___ Option B."

4. Which is correct?

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