Using the verb "ser" with Comparative and Superlatives...

Question

So is it the rule of thumb to use the verb "ser" (instead of "estar") when referring to objects, people, or things in a comparative/superlative way? Help please! Thanks!

Ella es más bonita que él. Ella es la más bonita. Ella es persona la más bonita en la habitación.

Do I know you? - QueenT26, Jul 27, 2011

Answer 1

I don't think that ser is required to make a comparison.

Roberto tenía más sed que Juan.

Ella se sentía mejor que antes.

Ella sufrió el peor dolor de cabeza de su vida.

These may not be worded grammatically correct, but you get the gist of the concept.

Roberto está más confundido (confuso) que Juan.

You probably meant "[Ella] Se sentía mejor que antes". All other examples are perfect. - lazarus1907, Jul 27, 2011

Thanks.. - 0074b507, Jul 27, 2011

Confundido. - kenwilliams, Jul 27, 2011

Thanks. I'm considering typing lessons. - 0074b507, Jul 27, 2011

I am confused. So are you saying that I don't have to use a "to be" verb at all when comparing? - QueenT26, Jul 27, 2011

Answer 2

"Ser" is used to classify, and superlative is used to classify something or someone as the top of a group, so "ser" is often the obvious choice for the task. However, it is possible to refer to states in superlative with relative clauses:

Es el que está más cansado de todos.

Comparative constructions can be done about all sort of actions, so you can virtually use any verb, as qfreed pointed.

Answer 3

deleted - already answered