Learn how to use the comparative “pickier” and superlative “pickiest” 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 “pickiest”?

The comparative form of “pickiest” is “pickier”.

Example

My sister is pickier than me when it comes to choosing clothes.

Example

John is pickier about his food than anyone I know.

What is the superlative form of “pickiest”?

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

Example

Among all the students, she is the pickiest eater.

Example

The chef is known for being the pickiest when it comes to ingredients.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

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

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

Picky follows the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: PickyPickier Superlative: PickyPickiest

Expressions with similar meanings to “pickier”

Used to describe someone who is more careful and particular in their choices

Example

The art collector became more selective as he gained a deeper understanding of the art world.

Similar to pickier, this emphasizes being excessively particular or fussy

Example

She is known for being finickier about the cleanliness of her house than anyone else.

Used to describe someone who is more particular in their choices, especially when it comes to selecting options from a range

Example

He is choosier about his wine selection than most people.

Expressions with similar meanings to “pickiest”

Similar to pickiest, this emphasizes being the most careful and particular in choices

Example

The fashion designer is known for being the most selective when it comes to choosing fabrics.

Similar to pickiest, this emphasizes being excessively particular or fussy

Example

The bride-to-be was the finickiest about the details of her wedding.

Similar to pickiest, this emphasizes being the most particular in choices, especially when it comes to selecting options from a range

Example

Among all the applicants, she was the choosiest about the job offers she received.

Using than with comparative “pickier”

When using the comparative form pickier to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "She is pickier than her sister." Here, than is used to show that the level of pickiness of 'her' is greater than the level of pickiness of her sister.

How can I use this expression in context?

“pickier” and “pickiest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.
  • 1Food Preferences

    He is pickier about his pizza toppings than anyone I know.

    He is pickier about his pizza toppings than anyone I know.

  • 2Clothing Choices

    She is known for being pickier about her outfits than her friends.

    She is known for being pickier about her outfits than her friends.

  • 3Home Decor

    The interior designer was the pickiest when it came to selecting furniture for the client's house.

    The interior designer was the pickiest when it came to selecting furniture for the client's house.

  • 4Book Selection

    The book critic is known for being the pickiest reader when it comes to choosing books to review.

    The book critic is known for being the pickiest reader when it comes to choosing books to review.

  • 5Job Applicants

    The hiring manager was the pickiest when it came to selecting candidates for the position.

    The hiring manager was the pickiest when it came to selecting candidates for the position.

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