Adjectives: IrregularΒΆ

Positive

Comparative

Superlative

Type / Notes

Example

after

latter

last

Used in contrasts (former/latter)

Of the two proposals, the latter is clearer.

bad

worse

worst

Suppletive

This road is worse than the other.

before

former

foremost

Lexicalized

The former president spoke yesterday.

far

farther / further

farthest / furthest

Double system

The station is farther than I thought.

fore

former

foremost

Lexicalized comparison

The foremost expert spoke at the conference.

good

better

best

Suppletive

She gave the best answer.

hind

hinder

hindmost

Archaic/limited

The hindmost wagon broke down.

in

inner

innermost / inmost

Spatial/figurative

They reached the innermost chamber.

late

later

latest / last

Time vs sequence

This is the latest report.

little

less

least

Suppletive (amount)

We have the least time today.

many / much

more

most

Suppletive (quantity)

We need more data.

near

nearer

nearest / next

Distance vs sequence

The next train leaves soon.

old

older / elder

oldest / eldest

Family forms

My elder sister lives abroad.

out

outer

outermost / utmost

Spatial/figurative

The outermost wall collapsed.

up

upper

uppermost / utmost

Mostly attributive

The upper deck is closed.