💋 Is bigger always better?
Whether you're talking about his ego, her bank account, or the size of the cocktails at the bar, human beings love to compare things. It’s natural! But if you don't know your comparatives from your superlatives, you won't be able to explain why your new date is an absolute upgrade over your ex. Or worse, you might accuse someone of compensating with bad grammar.
- Upgrade (noun/verb): Someone you date who is significantly better looking, richer, or nicer than your previous partner.
- Compensating (verb): Buying something excessively large (like a massive sports car) to hide an insecurity... usually about the size of something else.
1. The Cheeky Dictionary: 8 Words to Measure Up
Practice: drag a word, or select it and choose a gap.
1. He goes to the gym six days a week, so he is absolutely .
2. I can't believe she left Liam for Dave. What an absolute !
3. He bought a gold watch, but honestly, it just looks to me.
4. I can't buy you a pint tonight, I don't get paid until Friday and I'm totally .
5. He looks so because he lives entirely on instant noodles and black coffee.
Choose a word, then choose a gap.
2. Grammar Mechanics: The Rules of Attraction
When comparing two things, we use Comparatives. When declaring someone the absolute winner (or loser) of the group, we use Superlatives.
| Syllables | Comparative (+ than) | Superlative (the +) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Syllable (or ending in -y) | Add -er (He is richer than me.) |
Add -est (He is the richest bloke here.) |
| 2+ Syllables | Use more (She is more beautiful.) |
Use the most (She is the most beautiful.) |
| Irregulars 🚨 | Good ➔ better Bad ➔ worse |
Good ➔ the best Bad ➔ the worst |
3. Reading: The Torquay Seafront Gossip
Notice how Gem and Lucy use comparatives to judge their dates!
4. Interactive Practice: Measuring Up
Exercise A: Choose the right form
1. That was kiss I have ever had in my life.
2. My new girlfriend is much than my last one.
3. Do you think David is than his brother?
Exercise B: Type the Irregulars
Turn the adjective 'good' into its Comparative and Superlative forms!
1. (Comparative) Being single is than dating a player.
2. (Superlative) He gave me excuse I've ever heard.
5. Speaking Practice: Spilling the Tea ☕
Use comparatives and superlatives to gossip with your language partner.
- Who is the most flashy celebrity you can think of? Do you find it tacky?
- Be honest: is it better to date someone who is loaded but boring, or skint but hilarious?
- What is the worst date you have ever been on? Was the person a major downgrade?
- Do you think men who go to the gym to get hench are sometimes compensating for something?
- What is the biggest lie you have ever told to get out of a date?