Learn how to use the comparative “faster” and superlative “fastest” 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 “fast”?

The comparative form of “fast” is “faster”.

Example

The cheetah is faster than the lion.

Example

Sarah ran faster than she did yesterday.

What is the superlative form of “fast”?

The superlative form of “fast” is “fastest”.

Example

Among all the cars, the sports car is the fastest.

Example

The bullet train is known for being the fastest mode of transportation.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

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

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

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

Expressions with similar meanings to “faster”

swifter

Used to describe something that is faster in a graceful or elegant manner

Example

The swifter hare easily outran the tortoise.

Used to indicate something that is faster in terms of time or response

Example

Her reflexes were quicker than the ball, so she was able to dodge it.

A slightly formal way of expressing increased speed

Example

The progress of technology has led to more rapid communication.

Expressions with similar meanings to “fastest”

Similar to fastest, this emphasizes both speed and agility

Example

Among all the animals in the jungle, the cheetah is the swiftest.

Used to describe the highest level of speed in terms of time or response

Example

Her preparation allowed her to give the quickest presentation.

A slightly formal way of expressing the highest level of speed

Example

The most rapid progress in technology has been in the field of communication.

Using than with comparative “faster”

When using the comparative form faster to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "She runs faster than her friend." Here, than is used to show that the speed of 'her' running is greater than the speed of her friend's running.

How can I use this expression in context?

“faster” and “fastest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.
  • 1Physical Activities

    She can swim faster than he can.

    She can swim faster than he can.

  • 2Vehicles

    The new car is faster than the old one.

    The new car is faster than the old one.

  • 3Technology

    The new processor makes the computer run faster.

    The new processor makes the computer run faster.

  • 4Sports

    He won the race and was declared the fastest runner.

    He won the race and was declared the fastest runner.

  • 5Achievements

    Her quickest time was her fastest accomplishment.

    Her quickest time was her fastest accomplishment.

Related idioms and phrases

Run like the wind

To run as fast as possible.

Example

When he heard the starting gun, he ran like the wind in the race.

Time flies when you're having fun

When you're enjoying yourself, time seems to pass quickly.

Example

The vacation felt like it was over in the blink of an eye. Time flies when you're having fun.

Faster than a speeding bullet

Describing something that moves exceptionally quickly, like Superman in comic books.

Example

The new sports car accelerates faster than a speeding bullet.

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