Learn how to use the comparative “more ancient” and superlative “most ancient” with example sentences and differences.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Comparative adjectives help us to describe how good or bad something is when compared to something else. For example, something is taller than something else. Superlative adjectives help us to describe something as having the most or least of a particular characteristic within a group. This makes it easier and more accurate to talk about and compare things.

What is the comparative form of “ancient”?

The comparative form of “ancient” is “more ancient”.

Example

The pyramids of Egypt are more ancient than the Colosseum in Rome.

Example

The Mayan civilization is more ancient than the Inca civilization.

What is the superlative form of “ancient”?

The superlative form of “ancient” is “most ancient”.

Example

The Stonehenge is the most ancient monument in the UK.

Example

The Great Wall of China is the most ancient structure in the world.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

"Most" and "more" are used with "ancient" to form the comparatives and superlatives. The forms "more ancient" and "most ancient" are commonly used to indicate a greater age or antiquity.

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

"Ancient" follows the regular pattern of using "more" and "most" for forming comparatives and superlatives.

Expressions with similar meanings to “more ancient”

Used to describe something that is of a greater age.

Example

The ruins of the ancient city are older than the nearby village.

Used to indicate that something is of a significant age and has historical value.

Example

The museum displays a collection of antique artifacts from different civilizations.

Expressions with similar meanings to “most ancient”

Used to describe something that is of the greatest age.

Example

The cave paintings are considered the oldest known art forms.

Used to indicate that something belongs to a time before recorded history.

Example

The fossils provide evidence of prehistoric life on Earth.

Using than with comparative “more ancient”

When using the comparative form "more ancient" to compare two things, you would use "than" to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "The pyramids of Egypt are more ancient than the Colosseum in Rome." Here, "than" is used to show that the age of the pyramids is greater than the age of the Colosseum.

How can I use this expression in context?

“more ancient” and “most ancient” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.
  • 1Monuments

    The temple is more ancient than the nearby castle.

    The temple is more ancient than the nearby castle.

  • 2Civilizations

    The Indus Valley civilization is the most ancient civilization in the Indian subcontinent.

    The Indus Valley civilization is the most ancient civilization in the Indian subcontinent.

  • 3Artifacts

    The pottery shards are older than the metal tools.

    The pottery shards are older than the metal tools.

  • 4Historical Sites

    The ruins of the ancient city are the most ancient attraction in the region.

    The ruins of the ancient city are the most ancient attraction in the region.

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