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 “greater”?

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

Example

The population of New York City is greater than that of Los Angeles.

Example

Her knowledge in mathematics is greater than mine.

What is the superlative form of “greater”?

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

Example

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

Example

His contribution to the project was the greatest.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

Most and more are generally not used with greater, greatest, and their synonyms. They’re considered regular comparatives and superlatives. The forms 'more greater' and 'most greater' 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?

Greater 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 has a bigger size or quantity

Example

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

Used to indicate something that has a greater level or amount

Example

The higher the temperature, the more uncomfortable it becomes.

Used to describe something that is of superior quality or excellence

Example

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

Expressions with similar meanings to “greatest”

Similar to greatest, this emphasizes a bigger size or quantity

Example

The elephant is the largest land animal on Earth.

Used to describe the highest level or amount of something

Example

Mount Everest is the highest peak in the world.

Used to describe the highest level of quality or excellence

Example

She received the best score in the class.

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 salary is greater than hers." Here, than is used to show that the amount of 'his' salary is larger than the amount of 'hers'.

How can I use this expression in context?

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

    The population of China is greater than that of India.

    The population of China is greater than that of India.

  • 2Knowledge

    His understanding of physics is greater than mine.

    His understanding of physics is greater than mine.

  • 3Achievements

    Her contribution to the project was her greatest accomplishment.

    Her contribution to the project was her greatest accomplishment.

  • 4Size

    The blue whale is the largest animal on Earth.

    The blue whale is the largest animal on Earth.

  • 5Level

    The highest level of education is a doctorate degree.

    The highest level of education is a doctorate degree.

Related idioms and phrases

The bigger, the better

The larger or more significant something is, the more desirable or advantageous it is.

Example

When it comes to ice cream, the saying goes, 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 progress.

Example

He pushed himself during training because he believed in the saying no pain, no gain.

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