Learn how to use the comparative “younger” and superlative “youngest” 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 “underage”?

The comparative form of “underage” is “younger”.

Example

She is younger than her sister.

Example

He looks younger than his actual age.

What is the superlative form of “underage”?

The superlative form of “underage” is “youngest”.

Example

Among all the siblings, she is the youngest.

Example

He is known for being the youngest person to achieve that feat.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

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

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

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

Expressions with similar meanings to “younger”

Used to describe someone who is younger in terms of legal age

Example

He is still a minor and cannot vote yet.

Used to describe someone who is younger in terms of rank or position

Example

She is the junior member of the team.

A more informal way of expressing someone who is younger

Example

He is less old than he appears.

Expressions with similar meanings to “youngest”

Similar to youngest, this emphasizes being the youngest in terms of size or stature

Example

She is the smallest child in the family.

A more informal way of expressing being the youngest

Example

He is the least old among his friends.

Used to describe being the youngest in terms of rank or position

Example

She is the most junior member of the team.

Using than with comparative “younger”

When using the comparative form younger to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "She is younger than her sister." Here, than is used to show that the age of 'she' is less than the age of her sister.

How can I use this expression in context?

“younger” and “youngest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.
  • 1Siblings

    He is the youngest among his brothers and sisters.

    He is the youngest among his brothers and sisters.

  • 2Generations

    The new generation is younger than the previous one.

    The new generation is younger than the previous one.

  • 3Athletes

    She is the youngest player on the team.

    She is the youngest player on the team.

  • 4Achievements

    He is the youngest person to win that award.

    He is the youngest person to win that award.

  • 5Experience

    She has less experience compared to her colleagues.

    She has less experience compared to her colleagues.

Related idioms and phrases

Age is just a number

The idea that age does not necessarily reflect a person's abilities or limitations.

Example

Don't let your age hold you back. Age is just a number.

Older and wiser

As people get older, they gain more knowledge and experience.

Example

I may be getting older, but I'm also getting wiser.

Act your age

To behave in a manner appropriate for someone of your age.

Example

Stop acting like a child and act your age.

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