Learn how to use the comparative “greater” and superlative “greatest” with example sentences and differences.

📝

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 “greatest”?

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

Example

The second book in the series is greater than the first.

Example

His achievements are greater than anyone else's.

What is the superlative form of “greatest”?

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

Example

Among all the artists, Picasso is considered the greatest.

Example

Her talent for singing is unmatched, making her the greatest vocalist of our time.

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 bigger in size or quantity

Example

The larger box can hold more items.

Similar to larger, this emphasizes size or magnitude

Example

The bigger house has more rooms and a larger yard.

Used to indicate something that is more important or impactful

Example

Her contributions to the project were more significant than anyone else's.

Expressions with similar meanings to “greatest”

Similar to greatest, this emphasizes excellence or superiority

Example

He is known as the best chef in the city.

Used to describe the highest level of importance or impact

Example

The discovery of penicillin was one of the most significant breakthroughs in medical history.

Emphasizes exceptional quality or achievement

Example

Her performance in the play was the most outstanding of the entire cast.

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 anyone else's." Here, than is used to show that the level of achievement is higher than that of anyone else.

How can I use this expression in context?

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

    Her accomplishments are greater than anyone else's.

    Her accomplishments are greater than anyone else's.

  • 2Artists

    Picasso is considered the greatest artist of all time.

    Picasso is considered the greatest artist of all time.

  • 3Talent

    Her singing ability is unmatched, making her the greatest vocalist of our time.

    Her singing ability is unmatched, making her the greatest vocalist of our time.

  • 4Inventions

    The discovery of electricity was one of the greatest scientific breakthroughs.

    The discovery of electricity was one of the greatest scientific breakthroughs.

  • 5Performances

    Her acting in the play was the greatest of the entire cast.

    Her acting in the play was the greatest of the entire cast.

Related idioms and phrases

The sky's the limit

There are no limits to what someone can achieve.

Example

With hard work and determination, the sky's the limit for your success.

Bigger fish to fry

To have more important or pressing matters to attend to.

Example

I can't worry about that small issue right now, I have bigger fish to fry.

The best of both worlds

To have the advantages or benefits of two different things at the same time.

Example

By working part-time, she was able to have a career and spend time with her family. She had the best of both worlds.

This content was generated with the assistance of AI technology based on RedKiwi's unique learning data. By utilizing automated AI content, we can quickly deliver a wide range of highly accurate content to users. Experience the benefits of AI by having your questions answered and receiving reliable information!