In the English language, comparatives are used to compare two things, indicating that one has more or less of a certain quality than the other. Most comparatives are straightforward: you simply add “-er” to a short adjective (like “taller” from “tall”) or use “more” before a longer adjective (like “more beautiful”). However, there are some adjectives that don’t follow these rules and have irregular forms. These are known as irregular comparatives.
Understanding Irregular Comparatives
Irregular comparatives are adjectives that don’t follow the typical patterns of forming comparatives. Instead of adding “-er” or using “more,” these adjectives change form entirely. This can be confusing for language learners, but understanding these irregular forms is crucial for mastering English.
Common Irregular Comparatives
Here are some of the most common irregular comparatives:
1. **Good** becomes **better**.
2. **Bad** becomes **worse**.
3. **Far** has two comparative forms: **farther** and **further**.
4. **Little** becomes **less**.
5. **Many** or **much** becomes **more**.
Let’s delve deeper into each of these to understand their usage better.
Good vs. Better
“Good” is one of the most frequently used adjectives in English, and its comparative form is “better.” This irregular form is quite unique because it doesn’t follow any typical pattern. For example:
– This book is good, but that one is better.
– She is a good swimmer, but he is better.
It’s important to remember that “better” is used to compare two things, indicating that one is of higher quality than the other.
Bad vs. Worse
Similarly, “bad” becomes “worse” when making comparisons. This is another irregular form that language learners need to memorize. For example:
– His behavior was bad, but it got worse.
– The weather today is bad, but it was worse yesterday.
“Worse” indicates that one thing has a lower quality or is more severe than the other.
Far: Farther vs. Further
“Far” is unique because it has two comparative forms: “farther” and “further.” While they can sometimes be used interchangeably, there are subtle differences in their usage:
– **Farther** is generally used to indicate physical distance. For example: “He walked farther than I did.”
– **Further** is often used for metaphorical or figurative distance. For example: “We need to discuss this further.”
However, in modern usage, the lines between “farther” and “further” are often blurred, and many native speakers use them interchangeably.
Little vs. Less
The word “little” has an irregular comparative form “less.” This is used to indicate a smaller quantity or degree. For example:
– I have little money, but you have even less.
– There is less traffic today than there was yesterday.
Remember, “less” is used when comparing non-countable nouns, whereas “fewer” is used for countable nouns. For example, “There are fewer apples in the basket.”
Many/Much vs. More
The words “many” and “much” both become “more” in their comparative forms. “Many” is used with countable nouns, and “much” is used with non-countable nouns. For example:
– She has many friends, but he has even more.
– There is much water in the lake, but there was more last year.
The word “more” is versatile and can be used in various contexts to indicate a greater quantity or degree.
Less Common Irregular Comparatives
While the above examples are the most common irregular comparatives, there are a few others that learners should be aware of:
1. **Old** can become **older** or **elder**.
2. **Late** can become **later** or **latter**.
Old: Older vs. Elder
“Old” can have two comparative forms: “older” and “elder.” The difference between them is subtle but important:
– **Older** is the general comparative form used for things and people. For example: “She is older than me.”
– **Elder** is used in a more specific context, typically to refer to people, especially within a family. For example: “He is my elder brother.”
However, in modern usage, “older” is more commonly used, and “elder” is becoming less frequent.
Late: Later vs. Latter
The adjective “late” can also have two comparative forms: “later” and “latter.” These forms have distinct meanings:
– **Later** refers to time. For example: “I will see you later.”
– **Latter** refers to the second of two things mentioned. For example: “I had coffee and tea, but I preferred the latter.”
It’s essential to differentiate between these forms to avoid confusion.
Tips for Mastering Irregular Comparatives
Learning irregular comparatives can be challenging, but here are some tips to help you master them:
1. **Practice Regularly**: The best way to learn irregular comparatives is through regular practice. Use them in sentences, write them down, and try to incorporate them into your daily conversations.
2. **Memorize Common Forms**: Start by memorizing the most common irregular comparatives like “good/better,” “bad/worse,” and “far/farther/further.” These are frequently used in everyday language.
3. **Use Flashcards**: Flashcards can be a helpful tool for memorizing irregular forms. Write the base adjective on one side and the comparative form on the other.
4. **Read and Listen**: Exposure to the language through reading and listening can help you become more familiar with irregular comparatives. Pay attention to how native speakers use them in context.
5. **Practice with Exercises**: Find exercises and quizzes online that focus on irregular comparatives. Practice regularly to reinforce your knowledge.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When learning irregular comparatives, it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common errors and tips on how to avoid them:
1. **Using Regular Forms**: One common mistake is using regular comparative forms for irregular adjectives. For example, saying “gooder” instead of “better.” Remember to memorize the correct irregular forms.
2. **Confusing Farther and Further**: Learners often confuse “farther” and “further.” Remember, “farther” is generally used for physical distance, while “further” is used for metaphorical distance.
3. **Incorrect Usage of Less and Fewer**: Another common mistake is using “less” with countable nouns. Remember, “less” is used with non-countable nouns, and “fewer” is used with countable nouns.
4. **Mixing Up Older and Elder**: Mixing up “older” and “elder” can also be a problem. Use “older” for general comparisons and “elder” specifically for people, especially within a family context.
5. **Misusing Later and Latter**: Confusing “later” and “latter” is another common error. Remember, “later” refers to time, and “latter” refers to the second of two things mentioned.
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding of irregular comparatives, here are some practice exercises:
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following sentences with the correct irregular comparative form:
1. This cake is good, but that one is __________.
2. Her performance was bad, but it got __________.
3. He walked __________ than I did.
4. I have little time, but you have even __________.
5. She has many books, but he has even __________.
Exercise 2: Correct the Mistakes
Find and correct the mistakes in the following sentences:
1. This movie is gooder than the last one.
2. The weather today is badder than yesterday.
3. He ran further than she did in the race.
4. There are less apples in the basket.
5. He is my older brother.
Exercise 3: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct irregular comparative form:
1. This soup is (good, better) than the one I made yesterday.
2. Her grades are (worse, badder) this semester.
3. They traveled (farther, further) than we did.
4. I have (less, fewer) patience than you.
5. He has (more, much) work to do than she does.
Conclusion
Irregular comparatives are a unique and essential part of the English language. While they may seem challenging at first, with regular practice and exposure, you can master them. Remember to memorize the common irregular forms, practice using them in sentences, and pay attention to how native speakers use them. By doing so, you’ll become more confident in your language skills and be able to use irregular comparatives accurately and effectively. Happy learning!
