Comparative and Superlative Exceptions

As with any language, there are always exceptions to the rule. In this activity,students will create a grid that illustrates the four comparative and superlative exceptions. Having students create a column of cells demonstrating how not to use the exceptions can be helpful in ultimately understanding how to use them correctly. Often students try to pair “more” with “better”, for example, rather than seeing that “better” will be used alone.

The first column is to demonstrate the common error. You may want to have two error columns if you want students to demonstrate these errors for comparative and superlative in each instance. If not, just have students alternate whether the errors are in comparative or in superlative constructions. Be sure to have students make it obvious that these columns include incorrect grammar, at least in part by having them include the English translations for the incorrect sentences. In the model storyboard, the English word focused on for the incorrect example has been highlighted. This may or may not be used with your students depending on how you specify grid setup.

The next column will be for properly used comparatives, and the last column for properly used superlatives. In each cell students will write original sentences using the specified exception and a comparative or superlative construction. For reinforcement, have students capitalize the section of the sentence that is comparative or superlative.