Comparative is the name for the grammar used when comparing two things. The two basic ways to compare are using as .. as or than. Examples of each are shown below:
- She's twice as old as her sister.
- He's not as stupid as he looks!
- I'm almost as good in maths as in science.
- This book is not as exciting as the last one.
- The cafeteria is not as crowded as usual.
- Russian is not quite as difficult as Chinese.
- This computer is better than that one.
- She's stronger at chess than I am.
- It's much colder today than it was yesterday.
- Our car is bigger than your car.
- This grammar topic is easier than most others.
- I find science more difficult than mathematics.
- Today's ESL lesson was more interesting than usual.
Note: In each of the example sentences above, the comparative form of the adjective is shown. See the foot of this page for information about the comparison of adverbs.
When comparing with as .. as, the adjective does not change. When comparing with than, however, some changes are necessary, depending on the number of syllables the adjective has:
1-syllable adjectives: add -er to the adjective
- My sister is much taller than me.†
- It's colder today than it was yesterday.
Note: If the word ends: consonant-vowel-consonant, then the last consonant is usually doubled in the comparative. Examples: big-bigger, fat-fatter, hot-hotter.
2-syllable adjectives ending in -y: change the -y to -ier
- She's looking happier today.
- This grammar topic is easier than the last one.
- Why is everyone else luckier than me? †
Beware: Do not confuse adjectives and adverbs. 2-syllable adverbs ending in -y must be compared with the word more. Example: I drive more quickly (quicklier) than my brother.
Other 2-syllable adjectives: use more with the unchanged adjective
- The shops are always more crowded just before Christmas.
- Is there anything more boring than reading about grammar?
- My sister is more careful with her writing than I am with mine.
Note: The comparative of some shorter 2-syllable adjectives can be formed with -er. Examples: simple-simpler, clever-cleverer, narrow-narrower. To be sure which comparative method to use, you will need to consult a good dictionary.
Adjectives with 3 or more syllables: use more with the unchanged adjective
- Spanish grammar is more difficult than English grammar.
- My sister is much more intelligent than me.†
- I find maths lessons more enjoyable than science lessons.
- The older you get, the more irritating you become.
