Many adjectives are inflected to show degree; thus, large, larger, largest The three forms are called respectively the positive, the comparative, and the superlative degree.

The Positive Degree, or the common form, does not express comparison: This is a large apple.

The Comparative Degree is used in comparing two things. It shows that the thing described possesses a greater degree of the attribute than some other thing. It ends regularly in er. It is often followed by a clause that is joined to it by the word than.

This apple is larger than that (is large). She has an older sister than Mary (is old). This is the larger of the two apples.

The Superlative Degree is used in comparing more than two things. It shows that the thing described possesses a greater degree of the attribute than any of those with which it is compared. It ends in est.

This is the largest apple in the basket. This is the largest of the four apples.

Some careful speakers use the superlative form in speaking of only two things. The superlative form first is often so used. But with most adjectives it is better to use the comparative form in comparing two things.