Worse vs. Worst

When reviewing this subject you may have read or heard the explanation that “’worse’ is comparative and ‘worst’” is superlative. Then, you might have thought or said something like “What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Let’s just see if we can clear up this dilemma here and now.

You use “worse” when you are comparing two things…

“Broccoli is worse than cauliflower”

or

“That exam was far worse than a broken arm.”

And you use “worst” when comparing more than two things or when you are describing something…

“Broccoli and cauliflower are both bad, but sprouts are the worst.”

or

“That exam was the worst.”

Now you know!