Irregular Comparisons

A few of the comparatives and superlatives in English do not follow the usual pattern. Here is a list of common exceptions.

Positive Comparative    Superlative
bad worse worst
badly worse worst
far(distance) farther farthest
far(extent) further furthest
good better best
ill worse worst
late later latest or last
less lesser least
little(amount)   less least
many more most
much more most
well better best

The comparisons for well apply to both the adjective meaning "healthy" and the adverb meaning "in a good manner."

For more on how to use some of these see the Common Mistakes section on good/well and bad/badly. Also see Common Mistakes section for the difference between further and farther and between littlest and least.


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