No comparison made

Comparatives and superlatives cannot be used in sentences where no comparison is made.

  • In our school the number of students is smaller.
    (Smaller cannot be used because no comparison is made.)
  • In our school the number of students is small.
    (Small can be used because it is neither a comparative nor a superlative.)
  • Jimmy is the best singer in the group.
    (Best can be used because Jimmy is being compared with the other singers in the group.)