Learn how to use the comparative “greater” and superlative “greatest” 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 “great”?

The comparative form of “great” is “greater”.

Example

The blue whale is greater in size than any other animal.

Example

His achievements are greater than anyone else's in the company.

What is the superlative form of “great”?

The superlative form of “great” is “greatest”.

Example

Among all the planets, Jupiter is the greatest in size.

Example

He is known for his greatest achievement in the field of science.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

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

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

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

Expressions with similar meanings to “greater”

Used to describe something that is physically bigger in size

Example

The larger box can hold more items than the smaller one.

Similar to larger, this emphasizes size or quantity

Example

The bigger house has more rooms and a larger backyard.

Used to indicate something that is more important or impactful

Example

Her contribution to the project was more significant than anyone else's.

Expressions with similar meanings to “greatest”

Similar to greatest, this emphasizes physical size

Example

The elephant is the largest land animal on Earth.

Similar to largest, this emphasizes size or quantity

Example

The biggest building in the city is a popular tourist attraction.

Used to describe the highest level of importance or impact

Example

His discovery was considered the most significant breakthrough in medical research.

Using than with comparative “greater”

When using the comparative form greater to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "His achievements are greater than hers." Here, than is used to show that the level of achievement of 'his' is higher than the level of achievement of 'hers'.

How can I use this expression in context?

“greater” and “greatest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.
  • 1Size

    The new building is greater in height than the old one.

    The new building is greater in height than the old one.

  • 2Achievements

    Her latest accomplishment is her greatest achievement so far.

    Her latest accomplishment is her greatest achievement so far.

  • 3Importance

    The safety of the workers is of greater importance than meeting the deadline.

    The safety of the workers is of greater importance than meeting the deadline.

  • 4Impact

    The earthquake had a greater impact on the coastal areas.

    The earthquake had a greater impact on the coastal areas.

  • 5Knowledge

    He has a greater understanding of the subject than his classmates.

    He has a greater understanding of the subject than his classmates.

Related idioms and phrases

The bigger, the better

The larger or more impressive something is, the more desirable it is.

Example

When it comes to ice cream, the bigger, the better!

Great minds think alike

Intelligent or creative people often have the same ideas or opinions.

Example

We both came up with the same solution for the problem. Great minds think alike.

No pain, no gain

You have to work hard and endure difficulties in order to achieve success or improvement.

Example

He pushed himself during the workout, believing in the motto no pain, no gain.

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