Learn how to use the comparative “longer” and superlative “longest” 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 “daylong”?

The comparative form of “daylong” is “longer”.

Example

The summer days are longer than the winter days.

Example

She stayed at the beach longer than her friends.

What is the superlative form of “daylong”?

The superlative form of “daylong” is “longest”.

Example

Among all the seasons, summer has the longest days.

Example

The marathon runner has the longest endurance.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

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

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

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

Expressions with similar meanings to “longer”

Used to describe something that is longer in terms of duration or time

Example

The lengthier version of the movie includes additional scenes.

Used to indicate something that is extended or stretched out in time

Example

The prolonged rainstorm caused flooding in many areas.

A slightly formal way of expressing increased length or duration

Example

The more extended version of the book includes additional chapters.

Expressions with similar meanings to “longest”

Similar to longest, this emphasizes both length and duration

Example

The lengthiest movie in history is over 5 hours long.

Used to describe the highest level of extension or duration

Example

The most prolonged drought in history lasted for several years.

A slightly formal way of expressing the highest level of length or duration

Example

The most extended version of the concert includes additional performances.

Using than with comparative “longer”

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

How can I use this expression in context?

“longer” and “longest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.
  • 1Time

    The summer days are longer than the winter days.

    The summer days are longer than the winter days.

  • 2Events

    She stayed at the beach longer than her friends.

    She stayed at the beach longer than her friends.

  • 3Physical Objects

    The new bridge is longer than the old one.

    The new bridge is longer than the old one.

  • 4Stories or Books

    The longest chapter in the book is over 100 pages.

    The longest chapter in the book is over 100 pages.

  • 5Achievements

    His longest jump was his longest record.

    His longest jump was his longest record.

Related idioms and phrases

A long day's journey into night

A difficult or challenging experience that seems to last a long time.

Example

The wait at the airport felt like a long day's journey into night.

Long time no see

A greeting used when you haven't seen someone in a while.

Example

Hey! Long time no see. How have you been?

The long and winding road

A metaphor for a difficult or complex journey.

Example

Starting a new business can be the long and winding road to success.

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