Understanding how to form comparatives in English is a fundamental step for language learners. Comparatives allow us to express differences and similarities between two or more items, people, or concepts. Whether you are comparing two objects, people, or ideas, mastering comparatives will significantly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in English.
What Are Comparatives?
Comparatives are used to compare two things, indicating that one has a higher degree of a certain quality than the other. For example, in the sentence “She is taller than her brother,” “taller” is a comparative adjective that shows a difference in height between two people.
Forming Comparatives for Short Adjectives
For short adjectives, typically those with one syllable or those with two syllables ending in -y, forming comparatives is relatively straightforward. You generally add “-er” to the end of the adjective. Here are some rules and examples to guide you:
One-Syllable Adjectives
For most one-syllable adjectives, simply add “-er” to the end:
– **Tall** becomes **taller**: “She is taller than her brother.”
– **Fast** becomes **faster**: “This car is faster than that one.”
– **Old** becomes **older**: “My dog is older than yours.”
One-Syllable Adjectives Ending in -e
If the one-syllable adjective ends in -e, just add -r:
– **Nice** becomes **nicer**: “The weather today is nicer than yesterday.”
– **Large** becomes **larger**: “This box is larger than that one.”
One-Syllable Adjectives Ending in a Single Consonant with a Single Vowel Before It
For these adjectives, double the final consonant before adding -er:
– **Big** becomes **bigger**: “This apple is bigger than that one.”
– **Hot** becomes **hotter**: “The coffee is hotter than the tea.”
– **Thin** becomes **thinner**: “She is thinner than her friend.”
Two-Syllable Adjectives Ending in -y
For two-syllable adjectives ending in -y, change the -y to -i and add -er:
– **Happy** becomes **happier**: “She is happier now than before.”
– **Busy** becomes **busier**: “He is busier this week than last week.”
– **Easy** becomes **easier**: “This exercise is easier than the previous one.”
Forming Comparatives for Longer Adjectives
For adjectives with two or more syllables that do not end in -y, forming comparatives requires the use of “more” before the adjective:
– **Beautiful** becomes **more beautiful**: “This painting is more beautiful than that one.”
– **Comfortable** becomes **more comfortable**: “This chair is more comfortable than the other.”
– **Expensive** becomes **more expensive**: “This watch is more expensive than that one.”
Irregular Comparatives
Some adjectives have irregular comparative forms that do not follow the standard rules. These need to be memorized:
– **Good** becomes **better**: “Her performance is better than his.”
– **Bad** becomes **worse**: “This situation is worse than before.”
– **Far** becomes **farther** or **further**: “He lives farther than she does.”
Forming Comparatives for Adverbs
Adverbs can also be used to form comparatives. For adverbs that do not end in -ly, you generally add “-er” to the end:
– **Fast** becomes **faster**: “She runs faster than him.”
– **Hard** becomes **harder**: “He works harder than his colleagues.”
For adverbs ending in -ly, use “more” before the adverb:
– **Carefully** becomes **more carefully**: “She listens more carefully than him.”
– **Quickly** becomes **more quickly**: “He completed the task more quickly than expected.”
Using “Than” with Comparatives
Comparatives often require the use of “than” to introduce the second element being compared. This structure is essential for making clear comparisons:
– “She is taller **than** her brother.”
– “This problem is easier **than** the last one.”
– “He works harder **than** anyone else.”
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Language learners often make mistakes when forming comparatives. Here are some common errors and tips to avoid them:
Using “More” with Short Adjectives
Incorrect: “She is more tall than him.”
Correct: “She is taller than him.”
Doubling the Consonant Incorrectly
Incorrect: “The book is biger than the other one.”
Correct: “The book is bigger than the other one.”
Using “More” with Irregular Comparatives
Incorrect: “Her performance is more better than his.”
Correct: “Her performance is better than his.”
Comparatives in Different Contexts
Comparatives can be used in various contexts, from informal conversations to academic writing. Understanding how to use them appropriately in different situations is crucial for effective communication.
Informal Contexts
In everyday conversations, comparatives are often used to express opinions and preferences:
– “I think this movie is better than the last one.”
– “This pizza is tastier than the one we had yesterday.”
Formal Contexts
In formal writing or speeches, comparatives can be used to present arguments or analyses:
– “The new policy is more effective than the previous one.”
– “This study is more comprehensive than earlier research.”
Practice Exercises
To master comparatives, practice is essential. Here are some exercises to help you get started:
Exercise 1: Forming Comparatives
Convert the following adjectives into their comparative forms:
1. Fast
2. Easy
3. Expensive
4. Happy
5. Interesting
Exercise 2: Completing Sentences
Complete the following sentences with the correct comparative form of the adjectives in parentheses:
1. This exam is __________ (difficult) than the last one.
2. She is __________ (kind) than her sister.
3. This book is __________ (interesting) than the movie.
4. He works __________ (hard) than anyone else.
5. The weather today is __________ (good) than yesterday.
Exercise 3: Correcting Mistakes
Identify and correct the mistakes in the following sentences:
1. This task is more easier than the previous one.
2. He is more older than his brother.
3. She speaks more faster than him.
4. This solution is more better than the other.
5. The cat is more small than the dog.
Answers
Here are the answers to the exercises:
Exercise 1: Forming Comparatives
1. Faster
2. Easier
3. More expensive
4. Happier
5. More interesting
Exercise 2: Completing Sentences
1. This exam is **more difficult** than the last one.
2. She is **kinder** than her sister.
3. This book is **more interesting** than the movie.
4. He works **harder** than anyone else.
5. The weather today is **better** than yesterday.
Exercise 3: Correcting Mistakes
1. This task is **easier** than the previous one.
2. He is **older** than his brother.
3. She speaks **faster** than him.
4. This solution is **better** than the other.
5. The cat is **smaller** than the dog.
Conclusion
Mastering comparatives is a crucial aspect of learning English. By understanding the rules for forming comparatives and practicing their use in different contexts, you can enhance your communication skills and express comparisons effectively. Remember to pay attention to common mistakes and use the correct forms to avoid confusion.
Keep practicing, and soon forming comparatives will become second nature to you. Happy learning!
