Learn how to use the comparative “achier” and superlative “achiest” with example sentences and differences.

What is the comparative form of “achy”?

The comparative form of “achy” is “achier”.

Example

Her muscles are achier today than they were yesterday.

Example

After the long hike, my legs felt achier than ever.

What is the superlative form of “achy”?

The superlative form of “achy” is “achiest”.

Example

Out of all her joints, her knees are the achiest.

Example

After the marathon, his body was in its achiest state.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

'Most' and 'more' are generally not used with achy, achier, and achiest. They’re considered regular comparatives and superlatives. The forms 'more achy' and 'most achy' are not commonly used. Instead, achier and achiest are the correct and preferred forms to use.

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

Achy does not have an irregular comparative or superlative form. It follows the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: Achy → Achier Superlative: Achy → Achiest

Expressions with similar meanings to “achier”

sorer

Used to describe something that is more painful or tender

Example

His injured knee felt sorer after the workout.

more painful

A slightly formal way of expressing increased pain or discomfort

Example

The more painful the injury, the longer the recovery time.

more tender

Used to describe something that is more sensitive or delicate

Example

The more tender the area, the more careful you need to be when touching it.

Expressions with similar meanings to “achiest”

sorest

Similar to achiest, this emphasizes the highest level of pain or tenderness

Example

Among all her injuries, her sprained ankle was the sorest.

most painful

Used to describe the highest level of pain or discomfort

Example

The most painful part of the procedure is the initial injection.

most tender

Used to describe the highest level of sensitivity or delicacy

Example

The most tender areas of the body require extra care and attention.

Using than with comparative “achier”

When using the comparative form achier to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "Her muscles are achier than her friend's muscles." Here, than is used to show that the level of achiness in 'her' muscles is greater than the level of achiness in her friend's muscles.

How can I use this expression in context?

“achier” and “achiest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.

• 1. Physical Activities

  After the intense workout, her muscles felt achier than ever.

  After the intense workout, her muscles felt achier than ever.

• 2. Injuries

  The broken bone caused the achiest pain she had ever experienced.

  The broken bone caused the achiest pain she had ever experienced.

• 3. Illnesses

  During the flu, her body ached achier than before.

  During the flu, her body ached achier than before.

• 4. Aging

  As she got older, her joints became achier and more prone to pain.

  As she got older, her joints became achier and more prone to pain.

• 5. Recovery

  After the surgery, the first few days were the achiest.

  After the surgery, the first few days were the achiest.

Related idioms and phrases

A pain in the neck

Something or someone that is annoying or troublesome.

Example

Dealing with that difficult customer is a real pain in the neck.

A thorn in one's side

Something or someone that causes ongoing irritation or difficulty.

Example

The constant delays were a thorn in the side of the project manager.

A sore point

A sensitive or delicate topic that causes discomfort or tension.

Example

Bringing up their failed business venture is a sore point for them.