Comparatives and Superlatives

Warm-Up

The Alps and The Rockies

        If we look at two mountain ranges, the Rockies in Colorado, and the Alps in Europe, we can see many similarities and differences.  First, both mountain ranges have numerous peaks.  The Alps are the highest mountain range in Europe, while the Rockies are the highest mountain range in the continental United States.  The Alps, however, are generally higher than the Rockies, where Mont Blanc in France has an elevation of 15,771 feet and Mount Elbert in Colorado has an elevation of 14,433.  In other words, the Rockies are generally shorter than the Alps.  The Rockies cover more area than the Alps; they are longer from end to end.  The Rockies are 2000 miles long and the Alps are 750 miles long.  ...

When we think about two things, places or people, we often look at similarities and differences between those things.  To do so, we compare and contrast.  To make comparisons, we must use specific comparative forms (higher than). 

 Often, we will find that one thing may have a quality that is more than the quality of any thing like it.  To express that, we use a superlative form (the highest ). 

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