RULES FOR SIGNING THE COMPARATIVE AND SUPERLATIVE FORMS OF ADJECTIVES

When the Comparative form of an adjective is to be signed, there are two alternative methods: either a) by signing the word MORE before the adjective or b) by signing the suffix directly after the adjective, in which case, first sign the adjective and then, if the sign requires the use of only one hand, holding that hand in the same location and tracing an upwards-outwards semicircle one hand's breadth diameter, at the same time changing the hand to a 1Pt hand, 1st finger pointing downward & fingers forward.

If the adjective sign requires the use of both hands, then on completion of the sign, one hand is held stationary, while the other hand performs the sign for -ER. The correct hand for signing -ER after a two-handed sign is described as follows:

When both hands are held in the same manner, (e.g. big) moved together (e.g. hard) or moved in the same manner, (e.g. hot) either of the two hands is held stationary while the other hand performs the sign for -ER. When only one hand hands moved during the performance of the sign, it is preferable to use the moving hand to perform the sign for -ER.

When the Superlative form of an adjective is to be signed, there are also two alternative methods:

either a) by signing the word MOST before the adjective, or : b) by signing the suffix directly after the adjective, in which case, first sign the adjective and then with the same hand immediately tracing a second upwards-outwards semicircle a half-hand's breadth diameter.

The instruction for performing the Superlative form of a two-handed sign follows the same pattern as that used in signing the comparative (i.e. one hand remains stationary).

There are separate signs for the irregular Comparatives and Superlatives (good, better, best); (little, less, least) and (much, more, most).

These suffixes -ER and -EST are used only to make the Comparative and Superlative forms of Adjectives: they are NOT to be used to form other words (N.B. Note the difference between this form of -ER and the instruction for making the affix -ER as in `swimmer, dancer' etc.