Comparative and superlative of French adjectives

How to use the comparative with French adjectives

Similar to the English language, adjectives in French can also be used to form the comparative. By using the comparative form you are able to do comparisons. 

In general we differ between two regular comparative forms:

• the Comparative (French: le comparatif de supériorité/ d'inferorité)
• the Superlative (French: le superlatif de supérorité/ d'infériorité) 

The regular comparative is formed by placing plus, moins or aussi before and que after the adjective or adverb.

The superlative of an adjective is formed by adding the definite article le, la or les to the comparative form

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Regular Comparatives and Superlatives - plus/moins que and le plus/le moins

Please note that you can use aussi...que to make a comparison of equality. Translated to English it means "as...(as)".

• Cette robe est plus belle que l'autre. (This dress is prettier than the other.)
• Marc est l'étudiant le plus intelligent de la classe. (Mark is the most intelligent boy in the class.)
   
• Ce tailleur est moins cher que l'autre. (This suit is less expensive than the other.)
• Ces peintures sont les moins intéressantes du musée. (This paintings are the least interesting in the museum.)

Irregular Comparatives and Superlatives - bon, mauvais, petit

There are only a few exceptions when it comes to the irregular comparative and superlative forms. 

The comparative forms of bon/bonne 

• Ce livre est meilleur que l'autre. (This book is better than the other.)
• Ce peinture est la meilleur de toutes. (This painting is the best of all.)

The comparative form of mauvais

Please note that mauvais has regular as well as irregular forms. The irregular forms can be translated with the word 'worse'.

• Cette note est plus mauvaise que l'autre. (This grade is worse than the other.)
• Cette note est pire que l'autre. (This grade is worse than the other.)

The comparative form of petit

Please note that petit has regular as well as irregular forms. The irregular forms can be translated with 'least'.

• On n'a pas la moindre preuve contre elle. (You don't have an evidence against me..)
• La maison est plus petite. (The house is very small.)