As a hotel representative you may be asked by a guest to make a comparison between two or more things. For example they may want to know which is a better restaurant for local cuisine or which night club has a better live band or which beach is the calmest for swimming. In each of these cases you will be using comparatives and superlatives. Comparatives are used to indicate which of two things is better or worse. Superlatives are used to indicate which is the best or the worst.
Comparatives and superlatives
Comparatives are formed by either adding -er or -ier to the end of a word (Add -er if the word ends in a consonant. Add -ier if the word ends in a y (change the y to i and add -er) or by adding more or less before the word. A simple rule to follow when deciding whether to use -er (-ier) or add more or less is: if the word is three or more syllables, use more or less. If the word is two syllables or less use -er (-ier ). This rule is a guide only and some words do not follow it.
big bigger small smaller
heavy heavier busy busier
beautiful more beautiful common more common
Superlatives are formed by adding -est to the end of the word or by using most or least before the word. The same syllable rule applies here in deciding to use -est or most or least.
wise wisest fast fastest
quiet quietest simple simplest
anxious most anxious diligent most diligent
Point to remember
When using the superlative you always, always, always use THE before the superlative, for example the best live band, the calmest beach, or the least spicy dish.
Dialogue
Guest: Which sarong looks better- the blue one or the red one?
Staff: I think the blue one suits you better.
Guest: Which hotel is the best place to stay at in Phuket?
Staff: I think the Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort and Spa is better. The cost is a little more expensive, but it’s closer to the beach and the facilities and accommodations are much nicer.
Guest: Which do you think is the most convenient form of transportation inPhuket- Tuk Tuk’s or taxis?
Staff: Well Tuk Tuk’s are much easier to find and are a lot cheaper, but taxis are air conditioned.
Guest: Where’s the best place to go to listen to live music in Patong?
Staff: Well that depends on your taste in music. If you like Jazz and the Blues then the Saxophone Pub and restaurant is the place to go. If you prefer mellower piano music, then Rico’s Piano Bar may be better. It plays music from the 60’s and 70’s.
Guest: Which mall is the best place to but clothes- Central Festival or Lotus?
Staff: In my opinion, Central Festival has more variety and better quality clothes than Lotus.
Practice
Practice using the above expressions by having a dialogue similar to the ones above with a partner, one partner taking the role of the guest and the other the role of the staff. For additional practice, switch roles. Practice the dialogue several times, trying to use all of the expressions noted above.
Remember that one the of best was to improve your English skills is to use the language over and over again. It may be boring and tedious but it works to make the language readily accessible for use when needed.
More Practice
Role play the following situations with a partner, one person taking the role of the guest asking about the items below and the other person taking the role of a hotel staff. The staff should give two or three suggestions (to give the guests options) for each item and talk about their similarities and differences.
- Guest wants to know the difference between two restaurants
- Guest wants to know the difference between two beaches
- Guest wants to know the best place to go for souvenirs
- Guest wants to know a good place for dancing
- Guest wants to know a good place for Chinese food
- Guest wants to know a good place for clothes shopping
- Guest wants to know a good place for scenic sunsets
- Guest wants to know a good place for live music
