Comparative Adjectives: Grammar Rules

• Comparative adjectives compare the differences in characteristics between two nouns.
• They appear in sentences comparing two nouns.
• These adjectives point out which noun possesses a greater or lesser degree of the quality in question.
• The structure is: Noun (subject) + verb + comparative adjective + than + noun (object).

Formation of Comparative Adjectives

• Formation hinges on the number of syllables in the original adjective.

One-Syllable Adjectives

• Add "-er" to the end of one-syllable adjectives, generally.
• For example, "tall" becomes "taller," and "short" becomes "shorter."
• Double the final consonant before adding "-er" if the adjective ends in a single vowel followed by a single consonant.
• For example, "big" becomes "bigger," and "fat" becomes "fatter."

Two-Syllable Adjectives

• With two-syllable adjectives, using "-er" or "more" depends on the specific adjective.
• Many two-syllable adjectives ending in "-y" change the "y" to "i" and add "-er."
• For example, "happy" becomes "happier," and "easy" becomes "easier."
• Using "more" before the adjective is common for other two-syllable adjectives.
• For example, "more careful" and "more modern."

Three or More Syllable Adjectives

• Always use "more" before adjectives with three or more syllables
• For example, "more beautiful" and "more intelligent."

Irregular Adjectives

• Some adjectives have irregular comparative forms.
• The most common irregular adjectives include "good," "bad," and "far."
• "Good" becomes "better," "bad" becomes "worse," and "far" becomes "farther" or "further."

Using "Than"

• "Than" introduces the second term in a comparison.
• It shows what the first noun is compared to in comparative sentences.
• For example, "My car is faster than yours."

Examples of Comparative Adjectives

• My house is larger than hers.
• This box is heavier than the one I carried yesterday.
• She is happier now than she was before.
• The weather today is colder than it was yesterday.
• Elephants are bigger than dogs.
• Summer is warmer than winter.
• Gold is more expensive than silver.
• Learning Chinese is more difficult than learning Spanish.
• This movie is more interesting than the last one we watched.
• Health is better than wealth.
• It is worse to lose than never to have tried.
• The moon is farther than the sun.

Comparative Adjectives with Body Parts

• The standard rules of formation apply to body parts.
• Comparisons should be clear, and specify which body parts are being compared.

Examples Comparing Body Parts

• An elephant's trunk is longer than a pig's snout.
• A giraffe’s neck is longer than a human's neck.
• A hawk's eyes are sharper than a human's eyes.
• My fingers are shorter than my brother's fingers.
• A lion's teeth are sharper than a dog's teeth.
• Some people believe that a bird's bones are lighter than a mammal’s bones.
• A whale has a larger heart than a mouse.
• A tiger’s claws are sharper than a cat’s claws.
• Snakes have longer bodies than lizards.
• An eagle's wings are stronger than a sparrow's wings.
• A kangaroo’s legs are stronger than a human’s legs.
• A rabbit’s ears are longer than a hamster’s ears.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using "more" with one-syllable words when "-er" is needed.
• Incorrect spelling when adding "-er".
• Using "then" instead of "than".
• Omitting "than" in comparative sentences.
• Using the superlative form instead of the comparative form.

Tips for Using Comparative Adjectives

• Make sure the comparison is clear and logical
• Double-check spelling of adjectives when adding "-er"
• Remember to use "than."
• For adjectives with three or more syllables, always use "more"
• When appropriate, use irregular forms like "better," "worse," "farther," or "further."

Learn how to form and use comparative adjectives. This lesson covers the rules for one and two-syllable adjectives. Understand when to add '-er' or use 'more' to make comparisons.