Learn how to use the comparative “curlier” and superlative “curliest” 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 “curly”?

The comparative form of “curly” is “curlier”.

Example

Her hair is curlier than mine.

Example

The dog's fur became curlier after a bath.

What is the superlative form of “curly”?

The superlative form of “curly” is “curliest”.

Example

Among all the children, she has the curliest hair.

Example

The poodle is known for having the curliest fur.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

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

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

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

Expressions with similar meanings to “curlier”

Used to describe hair that has more pronounced waves or curls

Example

She styled her hair to make it look wavier.

Describing hair that is more tightly coiled or twisted

Example

The dancer's hair was more twisted than anyone else's.

Used to describe hair that has more spiral-like curls

Example

Her hair was more spiraled after using a curling iron.

Expressions with similar meanings to “curliest”

Similar to curliest, this emphasizes hair with the most pronounced waves or curls

Example

Out of all the models, she had the waviest hair.

Describing hair that is the most tightly coiled or twisted

Example

The doll's hair was the most twisted out of all the dolls.

Used to describe hair that has the most spiral-like curls

Example

Her hair was the most spiraled after using a curling iron.

Using than with comparative “curlier”

When using the comparative form curlier to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "Her hair is curlier than mine." Here, than is used to show that the level of curliness in 'her' hair is greater than the level of curliness in 'my' hair.

How can I use this expression in context?

“curlier” and “curliest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.
  • 1Hair

    Her hair is curlier than her sister's.

    Her hair is curlier than her sister's.

  • 2Animals

    The poodle has the curliest fur among all the dogs.

    The poodle has the curliest fur among all the dogs.

  • 3Objects

    The ribbon has the curliest shape among all the decorations.

    The ribbon has the curliest shape among all the decorations.

  • 4Plants

    The fern has the curliest leaves in the garden.

    The fern has the curliest leaves in the garden.

  • 5Food

    The curly fries are the curliest among all the potato dishes.

    The curly fries are the curliest among all the potato dishes.

Related idioms and phrases

Curl up

To sit or lie in a position with the body curled or hunched up

Example

She curled up on the couch with a blanket and a book.

Twist someone's arm

To persuade or convince someone to do something they may not want to do

Example

He didn't want to go to the party, but his friends twisted his arm and convinced him to come.

Spiral out of control

To rapidly become worse or more chaotic

Example

The situation spiraled out of control when more people got involved.

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