What is the comparative form of “hardened”?
The comparative form of “hardened” is “harder”.Example
He studied harder for the final exam than he did for the midterm.
Example
The new material is harder to understand than the previous one.
What is the superlative form of “hardened”?
The superlative form of “hardened” is “hardest”.Example
Among all the subjects, math is the hardest for him.
Example
The final level of the game is known for being the hardest.
Why is this expression not used with most, more?
'Most' and 'more' are generally not used with hardened, harder, and hardest. They’re considered regular comparatives and superlatives. The forms 'more hardened' and 'most hardened' are not used because they sound awkward. Instead, harder and hardest are the correct and preferred forms to use.
Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?
Hardened does not have an irregular comparative or superlative form. It follows the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: Hardened → Harder Superlative: Hardened → Hardest
Expressions with similar meanings to “harder”
Used to describe something that is more difficult or resistant
Example
The tougher puzzle took him longer to solve.
A slightly formal way of expressing increased difficulty
Example
The more challenging level of the game required advanced problem-solving skills.
Used to indicate something that is more rigid or inflexible
Example
The stiffer competition made it harder for her to win the race.
Expressions with similar meanings to “hardest”
Similar to hardest, this emphasizes both difficulty and resilience
Example
Among all the obstacles, the last one was the toughest to overcome.
A slightly formal way of expressing the highest level of difficulty
Example
The most challenging part of the project was finding a solution to the complex problem.
Used to describe the highest level of rigidity or inflexibility
Example
The stiffest competition in the tournament was in the final round.
Using than with comparative “harder”
When using the comparative form harder to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "He works harder than his colleagues." Here, than is used to show that the level of 'his' work is greater than the level of his colleagues' work.
How can I use this expression in context?
“harder” and “hardest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.- 1Academic Subjects
Math is harder than English for him.
Math is harder than English for him.
- 2Tasks or Challenges
The final level of the game is the hardest.
The final level of the game is the hardest.
- 3Materials or Substances
The new metal is harder than the previous one.
The new metal is harder than the previous one.
- 4Work or Effort
He worked harder on this project than on the previous one.
He worked harder on this project than on the previous one.
- 5Physical Objects
The diamond is the hardest mineral on Earth.
The diamond is the hardest mineral on Earth.
Related idioms and phrases
Hard nut to crack
A person or problem that is difficult to understand or deal with.
Example
She's a hard nut to crack; it's hard to get her to open up.
Bite the bullet
To face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage and determination.
Example
He knew he had to bite the bullet and tell his boss about the mistake.
Rock solid
Extremely strong, stable, or reliable.
Example
Her commitment to her goals is rock solid; she never gives up.
