Learn how to use the comparative “grumpier” and superlative “grumpiest” 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 “grumpy”?

The comparative form of “grumpy” is “grumpier”.

Example

He is grumpier in the mornings than in the evenings.

Example

She became grumpier as the day went on.

What is the superlative form of “grumpy”?

The superlative form of “grumpy” is “grumpiest”.

Example

Among all the employees, he is the grumpiest.

Example

The old man in the neighborhood is known for being the grumpiest person.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

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

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

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

Expressions with similar meanings to “grumpier”

Used to describe someone who is irritable or easily annoyed

Example

He became crabbier as the temperature rose.

sulkier

Used to describe someone who is moody or sulking

Example

She became sulkier after her favorite TV show was canceled.

A slightly formal way of expressing increased irritability

Example

The lack of sleep made him more irritable than usual.

Expressions with similar meanings to “grumpiest”

Similar to grumpiest, this emphasizes someone who is consistently irritable or easily annoyed

Example

Among all the neighbors, she is the crabbiest.

Used to describe someone who is consistently moody or sulking

Example

The teenager is known for being the sulkiest person in the family.

A slightly formal way of expressing the highest level of irritability

Example

The lack of food and water made him the most irritable person in the group.

Using than with comparative “grumpier”

When using the comparative form grumpier to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "He is grumpier than his brother." Here, than is used to show that the level of grumpiness of 'he' is greater than the level of grumpiness of his brother.

How can I use this expression in context?

“grumpier” and “grumpiest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.
  • 1Mood

    She became grumpier as the day went on.

    She became grumpier as the day went on.

  • 2Personality

    Among all the employees, he is the grumpiest.

    Among all the employees, he is the grumpiest.

  • 3Behavior

    The child became grumpier when he didn't get his way.

    The child became grumpier when he didn't get his way.

  • 4Reactions

    He is grumpier in the mornings than in the evenings.

    He is grumpier in the mornings than in the evenings.

  • 5Expressions

    Her face turned into the grumpiest expression.

    Her face turned into the grumpiest expression.

Related idioms and phrases

Have a chip on one's shoulder

To be easily irritated or prone to anger

Example

He always seems to have a chip on his shoulder and gets grumpy easily.

In a bad mood

Feeling irritable or unhappy

Example

She woke up in a bad mood and has been grumpy all day.

Get off on the wrong foot

To start a relationship or interaction in a negative or unpleasant way

Example

They got off on the wrong foot and have been grumpy with each other ever since.

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