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Questions and Answers
Which adjective should be used for quality rather than quantity?
Which adjective should be used for quality rather than quantity?
- Larger
- Better (correct)
- Spicier
- More
In which context would the comparative adjective 'spicier' likely be used?
In which context would the comparative adjective 'spicier' likely be used?
- Referring to a more flavorful dish (correct)
- Describing a faster car
- Talking about the size of a house
- Comparing the heights of two buildings
What does 'less than' indicate when used with numbers?
What does 'less than' indicate when used with numbers?
- A longer duration of time
- A better quality
- A larger quantity
- A smaller number of a noun (correct)
Which word can be used interchangeably with 'bigger', but is often considered more formal?
Which word can be used interchangeably with 'bigger', but is often considered more formal?
What is the difference between 'better' and 'more' when using comparative adjectives?
What is the difference between 'better' and 'more' when using comparative adjectives?
Which suffix is used to form comparative adjectives for regular adjectives?
Which suffix is used to form comparative adjectives for regular adjectives?
In which case does the comparative adjective 'shorter' appear in the text?
In which case does the comparative adjective 'shorter' appear in the text?
How is the comparative adjective 'better' formed?
How is the comparative adjective 'better' formed?
Which type of measurement is used in the example 'The car reached 60 miles per hour much faster than the truck'?
Which type of measurement is used in the example 'The car reached 60 miles per hour much faster than the truck'?
Which comparative adjective is formed by rearranging the adjective's structure?
Which comparative adjective is formed by rearranging the adjective's structure?
Which phrase is used to describe large numbers in the text?
Which phrase is used to describe large numbers in the text?
What is the correct phrase used to indicate equality in number descriptions?
What is the correct phrase used to indicate equality in number descriptions?
In the context of comparing numbers, what does 'Greater than' indicate?
In the context of comparing numbers, what does 'Greater than' indicate?
What is the appropriate phrase to describe small numbers in the text?
What is the appropriate phrase to describe small numbers in the text?
In the context of inequalities, which phrase describes comparing two quantities?
In the context of inequalities, which phrase describes comparing two quantities?
Which phrase is used to describe an approximate value in the text?
Which phrase is used to describe an approximate value in the text?
What does 'Less than' indicate when used with numbers?
What does 'Less than' indicate when used with numbers?
In the context of comparing numbers, what does 'Equal to' indicate?
In the context of comparing numbers, what does 'Equal to' indicate?
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Study Notes
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:
- Confusing "better" and "more": "Better" is used for quality, whereas "more" is used for quantity.
- Using "less" incorrectly: "Less" means an inferior amount, whereas "fewer" means a smaller number of a noun.
- 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!
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