ESL Comparative Adjectives with 'More Than' and 'Less Than'

English as a Second Language: Comparative Adjectives - Mastering 'More Than' and 'Less Than' with Numbers

As English as a Second Language (ESL) students strive to expand their linguistic skills, understanding comparative adjectives is a crucial part of that journey. Comparative adjectives help us describe things that are greater or lesser than others. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of comparative adjectives, specifically focusing on using "more than" and "less than" with numbers.

Forming comparative adjectives

Comparative adjectives are formed from the base or simple adjectives by adding the suffixes "-er" or "-r" for regular adjectives, or by rearranging the adjective's structure for irregular ones. Here are some examples:

• Regular adjectives: tall (taller), beautiful (more beautiful), sad (sadder)
• Irregular adjectives: good (better), happy (happier), big (bigger)

Comparative adjectives with numbers

Comparative adjectives can be used with numbers to describe degrees of measurement, such as height, temperature, distance, or time. Here are some examples:

• Taller: He's taller than his brother by 2 inches.
• Faster: The car reached 60 miles per hour much faster than the truck.
• Warmer: The temperature today is warmer than yesterday, with a high of 72°F.
• Shorter: The line was shorter than expected—we only had to wait five minutes.

Comparative adjectives in sentences

Comparative adjectives can be used in sentences to describe the differences between two or more things. Here are some examples:

• After losing 10 pounds, John looks slimmer than before.
• The cat is smaller than the dog, but more agile.
• The apple is less ripe than the banana, but tastes better.

Comparative adjectives in everyday use

Comparative adjectives are used daily in various contexts to convey degrees of comparison. Here are some examples:

• When buying clothes, we might say, "I need a bigger size than the one I'm wearing now."
• While cooking, we might say, "This dish is spicier than the one I made last week."
• In a conversation, we might say, "I've been waiting longer than I expected to see the doctor."

Using "more than" and "less than" with numbers

When using comparative adjectives with numbers, remember to use "more than" and "less than" correctly. Here are some examples:

• More than 20 miles: The car can travel more than 20 miles on a single tank of gas.
• Less than 1 hour: The meeting lasted less than one hour.

Pitfalls to avoid

When using comparative adjectives with numbers, be aware of some common pitfalls:

1. Confusing "better" and "more": "Better" is used for quality, whereas "more" is used for quantity.
2. Using "less" incorrectly: "Less" means an inferior amount, whereas "fewer" means a smaller number of a noun.
3. Confusing "bigger" and "larger": Both words can be used interchangeably, but "larger" is often considered more formal.

By familiarizing yourself with comparative adjectives, you can communicate more effectively and accurately in English as a Second Language. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to try out new comparative structures in your daily interactions. Happy learning!