Comparatives(Adjective) in English: Grammar Rules, Usage & Examples

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English – Intermediate, English Adjectives

Comparatives(Adjective) in English Language: A Complete Guide

Mastering comparatives in English is essential for fluency and clarity in communication. Whether you are learning English as a second language or refining your grammar skills, understanding how to compare things effectively can significantly enhance your writing and speaking abilities. This guide will cover everything about comparatives, including their formation, rules, usage, exceptions, and advanced comparisons.

What Are Comparatives in English?

Comparatives are adjectives or adverbs used to compare two things, people, or situations. They express differences in quality, quantity, or degree between two entities.

Example:

This book is thicker than that one.
She runs faster than her brother.

Why Are Comparatives Important?

Comparatives are crucial for effective communication. They help:

Express preferences (e.g., I like tea more than coffee.)
Make judgments (e.g., This film is better than the previous one.)
Describe changes over time (e.g., The weather is getting colder.)
Improve storytelling by making descriptions vivid and engaging.

Rules for Forming Comparatives

Comparatives in English are generally formed by adding “-er” to short adjectives or using “more” before longer adjectives. Let’s explore the rules in detail.

1. Comparatives with Short Adjectives (One-Syllable Words)

For adjectives with one syllable, add “-er” to form the comparative.

Examples:

Fast → Faster (He is a faster runner than his friend.)
Tall → Taller (My sister is taller than me.)
Old → Older (John is older than Sarah.)

Special Rule: Spelling Changes

If the adjective ends in a single vowel + consonant, double the final consonant before adding “-er.”
- Big → Bigger
- Hot → Hotter
- Thin → Thinner

2. Comparatives with Long Adjectives (Two or More Syllables)

For adjectives with two or more syllables, use “more” before the adjective.

Examples:

Beautiful → More beautiful (This painting is more beautiful than the other one.)
Expensive → More expensive (That car is more expensive than mine.)
Comfortable → More comfortable (This chair is more comfortable than the sofa.)

3. Comparatives with Two-Syllable Adjectives Ending in -y

If an adjective has two syllables and ends in “-y,” replace “y” with “i” and add “-er.”

Examples:

Happy → Happier (She looks happier today.)
Easy → Easier (This test is easier than the last one.)
Busy → Busier (Mondays are always busier than Fridays.)

4. Comparatives with Irregular Adjectives

Some adjectives have completely irregular comparative forms.

Examples:

Good → Better (This coffee is better than the one I had yesterday.)
Bad → Worse (His condition is getting worse.)
Far → Farther/Further (New York is farther than Boston.)

Tables of Comparatives

One-Syllable Adjectives

Adjective	Comparative
Fast	Faster
Tall	Taller
Big	Bigger
Hot	Hotter
Cold	Colder
Old	Older
Short	Shorter
Small	Smaller
Thick	Thicker
Weak	Weaker

Two or More Syllables Adjectives

Adjective	Comparative
Beautiful	More beautiful
Comfortable	More comfortable
Difficult	More difficult
Expensive	More expensive
Famous	More famous
Intelligent	More intelligent
Interesting	More interesting
Popular	More popular
Dangerous	More dangerous
Generous	More generous

Two-Syllable Adjectives Ending in -y

Adjective	Comparative
Happy	Happier
Busy	Busier
Easy	Easier
Funny	Funnier
Angry	Angrier
Healthy	Healthier
Lucky	Luckier
Pretty	Prettier
Silly	Sillier
Noisy	Noisier

Irregular Adjectives

Adjective	Comparative
Good	Better
Bad	Worse
Far	Farther/Further
Little	Less
Much	More
Many	More
Late	Later
Old	Older/Elder
Well	Better
Ill	Worse
Near	Nearer
Fore	Further
Foremost	Furthermost
Hind	Hinder
Inner	Inner
Outer	Outer
Up	Upper
Down	Lower
Left	Lefter
Right	Righter

Using Comparatives in Sentences

Comparative adjectives are usually followed by “than” when making a comparison.

Advanced Comparisons: Double Comparatives & Parallel Comparatives

1. Double Comparatives

Examples:

The more you practice, the better you become.
The faster you drive, the more dangerous it is.
The higher we go, the colder it gets.

2. Parallel Comparisons

Examples:

He is getting stronger and stronger every day.
The city is becoming more and more crowded.
The situation is getting worse and worse.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using “more” and “-er” together (Incorrect: more faster, Correct: faster)
Not changing “y” to “i” in two-syllable adjectives ending in “y” (Incorrect: happyer, Correct: happier)
Using “than” incorrectly (Incorrect: She is taller from me, Correct: She is taller than me.)

Summary

Comparatives help in comparing two things or people.
Short adjectives add “-er,” while long adjectives use “more.”
Two-syllable adjectives ending in -y change to “-ier.”
Irregular adjectives have unique comparative forms.
Double comparatives and parallel comparisons make expressions more effective.

Conclusion

By mastering comparatives, you can enhance your English communication skills significantly. Keep practicing, and soon, forming comparatives will become second nature!

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