Comparatives in English can be quite challenging, especially for learners who are accustomed to straightforward rules in other languages. While many English comparatives follow a predictable pattern, such as adding “-er” to short adjectives (e.g., “big” becomes “bigger”) or using “more” before longer adjectives (e.g., “beautiful” becomes “more beautiful”), some comparatives are irregular. These irregular comparatives do not follow the standard rules and must be memorized. In this article, we will explore these irregular comparatives, delve into their proper usage, and provide helpful tips for mastering them.
Understanding Irregular Comparatives
Irregular comparatives are adjectives and adverbs that do not form their comparative forms in the regular way. Instead of adding “-er” or using “more,” these words change entirely. For instance, the comparative form of “good” is not “gooder” or “more good,” but “better.” Similarly, the comparative form of “bad” is “worse,” not “badder” or “more bad.”
Common Irregular Comparatives
Here is a list of some of the most common irregular comparatives in English:
– **Good** – better
– **Bad** – worse
– **Far** – farther/further
– **Little** – less
– **Much/Many** – more
– **Old** – older/elder
These words are frequently used in everyday conversation, so it’s crucial to understand and use them correctly.
Examples and Usage
Let’s look at each of these irregular comparatives in more detail, with examples to illustrate their proper usage.
Good – Better
The word “good” is an adjective that describes something of high quality or a positive attribute. Its comparative form is “better.”
– This restaurant is good, but the one across the street is better.
– She is a good student, but her sister is even better.
Bad – Worse
“Bad” is an adjective that describes something of low quality or a negative attribute. Its comparative form is “worse.”
– The weather today is bad, but yesterday it was worse.
– His handwriting is bad, but mine is worse.
Far – Farther/Further
“Far” is an adjective or adverb that describes a great distance. Its comparative forms are “farther” (more commonly used for physical distances) and “further” (used for figurative or abstract distances).
– My house is far from here, but my office is even farther.
– We need to discuss this issue further.
Little – Less
“Little” can describe a small amount or a small size. Its comparative form is “less.”
– I have little time to study, but she has even less time.
– There is little milk left, but there is even less juice.
Much/Many – More
“Much” and “many” are used to describe large quantities. “Much” is used with uncountable nouns, and “many” is used with countable nouns. Their comparative form is “more.”
– I have much work to do, but she has more work.
– He has many friends, but she has more friends.
Old – Older/Elder
“Old” describes something that has existed for a long time. Its comparative forms are “older” and “elder.” “Older” is more commonly used, while “elder” is typically used in family contexts.
– My brother is older than I am.
– She is the elder of the two siblings.
Tips for Mastering Irregular Comparatives
Given that irregular comparatives do not follow the usual patterns, they can be tricky to master. However, with some practice and strategies, you can become proficient in using them.
1. Practice Regularly
One of the best ways to remember irregular comparatives is to practice using them regularly. Write sentences, engage in conversations, and complete exercises that specifically focus on these comparatives.
2. Use Flashcards
Create flashcards with the base form of the adjective or adverb on one side and the comparative form on the other. Review these flashcards regularly to reinforce your memory.
3. Read and Listen
Reading books, articles, and listening to native speakers can help you see and hear irregular comparatives in context. Pay attention to how these words are used in sentences and try to mimic their usage.
4. Make Connections
Try to make connections between the base form and the comparative form. For example, think of “good” and “better” as a pair that always goes together. Associating these words can help solidify their forms in your memory.
5. Use Mnemonics
Mnemonics are memory aids that can help you remember irregular comparatives. For example, you might remember “better” as being “better than good” or “worse” as being “worse than bad.”
Exceptions and Special Cases
While the irregular comparatives listed above are the most common, there are other exceptions and special cases that you may encounter.
Further vs. Farther
As mentioned earlier, “farther” is generally used for physical distances, while “further” is used for abstract distances. However, in some contexts, they can be used interchangeably.
– The library is farther down the road.
– We need to look further into this issue.
Older vs. Elder
“Older” is used for general comparisons of age, while “elder” is more specific to family relationships and is usually used as a noun.
– My grandfather is older than my grandmother.
– She is my elder sister.
Less vs. Fewer
While “less” is the comparative form of “little” for uncountable nouns, “fewer” is used for countable nouns. This distinction is important for proper grammar.
– There is less water in the bottle.
– There are fewer apples in the basket.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even advanced English learners can make mistakes with irregular comparatives. Here are some common errors and tips on how to avoid them.
Using Regular Forms
One of the most common mistakes is using regular comparative forms for irregular adjectives or adverbs. For example, saying “gooder” instead of “better.”
– Incorrect: This pizza is gooder than the other one.
– Correct: This pizza is better than the other one.
Confusing Similar Words
Words like “farther” and “further” or “less” and “fewer” can be confusing. Make sure to understand the context in which each word is used.
– Incorrect: We need to drive further to reach the destination.
– Correct: We need to drive farther to reach the destination.
Overusing Comparatives
Another mistake is overusing comparatives when they are not necessary. Comparatives should be used only when making a direct comparison between two or more things.
– Incorrect: This is the better movie of all time.
– Correct: This is the best movie of all time.
Exercises to Practice Irregular Comparatives
To help reinforce your understanding and usage of irregular comparatives, here are some exercises you can try.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the sentences with the correct comparative form of the adjectives in parentheses.
1. This test is (good) __________ than the last one.
2. Her new job is (bad) __________ than her old job.
3. The park is (far) __________ from here than the mall.
4. He has (little) __________ money now than he did before.
5. She has (much) __________ experience in this field than her colleague.
Exercise 2: Correct the Mistakes
Identify and correct the mistakes in the following sentences.
1. This book is more good than the other one.
2. His performance was badder than I expected.
3. We need to travel further to reach the other city.
4. There are less cookies in the jar now.
5. My elder brother is two years older than me.
Exercise 3: Create Sentences
Write your own sentences using the following irregular comparatives:
1. Better
2. Worse
3. Farther
4. Less
5. More
Conclusion
Irregular comparatives are an essential part of mastering English, as they are commonly used in both written and spoken language. While they may seem challenging at first, regular practice and exposure will help you become more comfortable with them. Remember to use strategies such as flashcards, mnemonics, and reading to reinforce your learning. By understanding and correctly using irregular comparatives, you will enhance your ability to communicate effectively and accurately in English.
