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What is Comparative and Superlative?

Comparison constructions in French let you compare two or more things. The comparative highlights differences between two items, while the superlative picks the single best or worst.

Short answer

The comparative uses plus (more), moins (less), or aussi (as) to compare two things. The superlative uses le plus or le moins to show one stands out among all.

Comparative vs. Superlative

Comparative

•Compares 2 things
•Uses: plus, moins, aussi
•Example: Elle est plus grande

Superlative

•Compares many (one stands out)
•Uses: le plus, le moins
•Example: Elle est la plus grande

Step-by-step worked examples

Compare Marie (tall) and Sophie (taller). Write a comparative.

Sophie is taller than Marie.
French: Sophie est plus grande que Marie.

Three friends: Alice quick, Bob quicker, Clara quickest. Superlative for Clara?

Clara is the quickest.
French: Clara est la plus rapide.

Paul and Luc have the same height. Write an égalité sentence.

Paul is as tall as Luc.
French: Paul est aussi grand que Luc.

Flashcards

Quick quiz

Q1.Complete: Il est ___ intelligent que son frère. (more)

Correct answer: A. Comparative uses 'plus' for 'more'. 'Le plus' is superlative.

Q2.Which is a superlative form?

Correct answer: B. 'Le plus' = superlative. The first three use 'plus' for comparative.

Q3.Translate 'She is as nice as her sister.' Pick the French.

Correct answer: C. 'As... as' = aussi... que. Égalité comparison.

Q4.Complete: C'est la ___ belle maison de la ville. (most beautiful)

Correct answer: B. Superlative structure: la + plus + adjective (agrees: belle).

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Common mistakes

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Using 'le plus' for comparisons with two items. — Correct: Superlative 'le plus' is only for singling out one. Compare two with 'plus'.

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Forgetting adjective agreement after 'plus' or 'le plus'. — Correct: Adjectives agree: plus grand, la plus grande, les plus grands.

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Saying 'plus plus' or 'le le plus' for emphasis. — Correct: Use only one: 'plus' or 'le plus', never double.

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Not remembering the 'que' after comparative adjective. — Correct: Structure: plus [adj] que [noun]. Example: plus grand que Pierre.

FAQ

What is the difference between comparative and superlative?

Comparative compares two things (plus... que). Superlative picks one standout from many (le plus).

How do you say 'less' in a French comparison?

Use 'moins': moins grand que = less tall than.

Do adjectives agree after 'plus' and 'le plus'?

Yes, always. Example: les plus grands garçons (masculine plural).

What irregular comparatives exist in French?

bon→meilleur, mauvais→pire, petit→plus petit or moindre.