Comparatives
Definition
Comparative forms show that one person, thing or situation has more or less of a quality than another. Short adjectives often take -er, while longer adjectives usually use more or less.
Examples
-
This route is shorter than the coastal road.
The short adjective short takes -er.
-
The second proposal is more practical than the first.
The longer adjective uses more.
-
Today is better than yesterday.
Good has the irregular comparative form better.
Comparative vs. equality comparison
This room is larger than mine.
The rooms are presented as unequal in size.
This room is as large as mine.
The rooms are presented as equal in size.
A comparative such as larger than shows a difference. As + adjective + as shows equality.
Comparatives can be strengthened or softened
Words such as much, far, a lot, slightly and a bit can show the size of the difference.
-
The new system is much faster than the old one.
Much emphasizes a large difference.
-
This chair is slightly more comfortable.
Slightly presents the difference as small.
Common mistakes
This test is more easier than the last one.
This test is easier than the last one.
Do not use both more and -er with the same adjective.
My bag is heavier then yours.
My bag is heavier than yours.
Use than to introduce the second part of a comparison.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence has the correct comparative form?
Easy changes to easier, followed by than.Which sentence correctly compares a longer adjective?
Longer adjectives such as effective normally use more + adjective.Which sentence correctly uses an irregular comparative?
The comparative of good is better.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
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