Learn how to use the comparative “longer” and superlative “longest” 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 “monthlong”?

The comparative form of “monthlong” is “longer”.

Example

The summer vacation is longer than the winter break.

Example

This movie is longer than the one we watched yesterday.

What is the superlative form of “monthlong”?

The superlative form of “monthlong” is “longest”.

Example

Among all the seasons, winter is the longest.

Example

This is the longest book I have ever read.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

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

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

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

Expressions with similar meanings to “longer”

Used to describe something that is longer in terms of duration or extent

Example

The lengthier version of the book includes additional chapters.

A slightly formal way of expressing increased length

Example

The more extended version of the concert included an encore performance.

Used to indicate something that is longer than expected or desired

Example

The prolonged rainstorm caused flooding in many areas.

Expressions with similar meanings to “longest”

Similar to longest, this emphasizes both duration and extent

Example

The lengthiest chapter in the book is the final one.

A slightly formal way of expressing the highest level of length

Example

The most extended version of the movie includes deleted scenes.

Used to describe the highest level of length that exceeds expectations or desires

Example

The most prolonged drought in history devastated the crops.

Using than with comparative “longer”

When using the comparative form longer to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "The summer vacation is longer than the winter break." Here, than is used to show that the duration of the summer vacation is greater than the duration of the winter break.

How can I use this expression in context?

“longer” and “longest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.
  • 1Time Periods

    The meeting lasted longer than expected.

    The meeting lasted longer than expected.

  • 2Books

    The second book in the series is longer than the first one.

    The second book in the series is longer than the first one.

  • 3Movies

    The director's cut version of the film is longer than the theatrical release.

    The director's cut version of the film is longer than the theatrical release.

  • 4Journeys

    The flight to Europe is longer than the flight to Asia.

    The flight to Europe is longer than the flight to Asia.

  • 5Events

    The marathon is the longest race in the competition.

    The marathon is the longest race in the competition.

Related idioms and phrases

In the long run

Over a long period of time; eventually.

Example

Investing in education will pay off in the long run.

Long time no see

Used to greet someone you haven't seen in a while.

Example

Hey! Long time no see. How have you been?

A long shot

Something that is unlikely to happen or succeed.

Example

Winning the lottery is a long shot, but it's still worth trying.

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