Learn how to use the comparative “bigger” and superlative “biggest” 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 “biggest”?

The comparative form of “biggest” is “bigger”.

Example

The elephant is bigger than the lion.

Example

This house is bigger than the one next door.

What is the superlative form of “biggest”?

The superlative form of “biggest” is “biggest”.

Example

Among all the planets, Jupiter is the biggest.

Example

This is the biggest shopping mall in the city.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

'Most' and 'more' are generally not used with big, bigger, and biggest. They’re considered regular comparatives and superlatives. The forms 'more big' and 'most big' are not used because they sound awkward. Instead, bigger and biggest are the correct and preferred forms to use.

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

Big does not have an irregular comparative or superlative form. It follows the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: BigBigger Superlative: BigBiggest

Expressions with similar meanings to “bigger”

Used to describe something that has more physical size or dimensions

Example

The larger suitcase can hold more clothes.

Used to indicate something that has a higher degree or intensity

Example

She has a greater understanding of the subject than her classmates.

A slightly formal way of expressing increased space or roominess

Example

The more spacious apartment allows for better furniture arrangement.

Expressions with similar meanings to “biggest”

Similar to biggest, this emphasizes physical size or dimensions

Example

The largest country in the world is Russia.

Used to describe the highest degree or intensity

Example

He achieved the greatest success in his career.

A slightly formal way of expressing the highest level of space or roominess

Example

The most spacious room in the house is the master bedroom.

Using than with comparative “bigger”

When using the comparative form bigger to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "This house is bigger than the one next door." Here, than is used to show that the size of 'this house' is greater than the size of 'the one next door'.

How can I use this expression in context?

“bigger” and “biggest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.
  • 1Physical Objects

    The new TV is bigger than the old one.

    The new TV is bigger than the old one.

  • 2Buildings

    The skyscraper is the biggest building in the city.

    The skyscraper is the biggest building in the city.

  • 3Populations

    China has the biggest population in the world.

    China has the biggest population in the world.

  • 4Numbers

    The company reported its biggest profit margin ever.

    The company reported its biggest profit margin ever.

  • 5Achievements

    Winning the championship was his biggest accomplishment.

    Winning the championship was his biggest accomplishment.

Related idioms and phrases

Go big or go home

To do something in a bold or extravagant manner, or not at all.

Example

If you're going to throw a party, go big or go home.

The bigger they are, the harder they fall

The more powerful or important someone is, the more severe their downfall will be.

Example

He was a successful CEO, but when the scandal broke, the bigger they are, the harder they fall.

Big fish in a small pond

Someone who is important or successful in a small or limited environment.

Example

He was a big fish in a small pond in his hometown, but struggled to stand out in the big city.

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