Making Comparisonsin English
We often use comparisons because we want to talk about the differences between people, places, and things. Here is an example:
Janets house is bigger than Toms.Toms house is a lot smaller than Janets.3. Janets house is fancier and more elaborate than Toms house.
The comparative forms from the previous example are:-bigger than-smaller than-fancier than-more elaborate than
So . . . When do we use er and when do we use more?
How many syllables are the words: big and small? 1
For 1-syllable adjectives, JUST add er to the end.
Example:Tom is smarter than Joe.*If the 1-syllable adjective ends with the letter e, JUST add r to the end.
Examples: nicerwiser
**If the 1-syllable adjective has a C-V-C pattern, Double the consonant and add er.
Examples:San Francisco iswetterthan San Diego.San Diego isbigger than San Francisco.
For adjectives that end with the letter y, DROP the y and add ier.
Examples:Adjective = fancyJanets house is fancier than Toms.
Adjective = prettyJanets house is prettier than Toms.
Adjective = friendlyAlison is friendlier than Susan.
How many syllables is the word: elaborate? 4 (more than 1)
For adjectives that are 2 or more syllables, use more + the adjective to make the comparative form.
Examples:Adjective = elaborate Janets house is more elaborate than Toms.
Adjective = comfortableThis chair is more comfortable than that chair.
Irregular comparatives:
You MUST memorize these!
Examples:good = better thanfar = farther (further) thanbad=worsethan Adjective = good Saras grades are better than Michaels.
Grammar Rule:Never use both MORE and ER!
Incorrect:Lisas job is more better than mine.
Correct:Lisas job is better than mine.
Using less than
Sometimes we compare two things by using less than.
To do this, use LESS + adjective + THAN
When using less than, the adjective DOES NOT CHANGE
Examples:He is LESS energetic than my other teacher.
This class is LESS crowded than the other one.
New York City is LESS polluted than Los Angeles.
Rule . . .ADJECTIVECOMPARATIVE1. Adjectives with one syllable: add eroldbig cheap older thanbigger thancheaper than2. Adjectives that endin Y: drop Y, add ierfriendlybusy easyfriendlier thanbusier thaneasier than
3. Adjectives with two or more syllables: use more politebeautifulimportantmore polite thanmore beautiful thanmore important than4. Irregular forms: (memorize)goodbadfarbetter thanworse thanfarther/further than5. Less Thanquietcrowdedless quiet thanless crowded than
There are a few exceptions with comparative grammar . . .These are adjectives that dont follow the basic rules or that have more than one acceptable form. To learn these, you must memorize them.
funWe say:more funfunner
2. simpleWe say:more simple ORsimpler
3. narrowWe say:more narrow ORnarrower
4. quietWe say:more quiet ORquieter
Try these examples. Use the comparative form.
I think Social Studies is _________________ (interesting) than Math.
2. San Diego is a _____________ (pretty) city than L.A.
3. A dog is usually _______________ (friendly) than a cat.
4. It is _____________ (hot) today than it was yesterday.
5. My cousin is ______________ (rich) than I am.
6. USE LESS: Some people think that Spanish is __________________ (difficult) than English.
For Additional Explanation and Practice, go to these websites:
1. Comparative / Superlative Explanation and Quizzes:http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/330/grammar/regcom.htm 2. Comparatives Challenge Board Game:http://www.quia.com/cb/283937.html
If you do these exercises, the grammar will get easier!