Comparative Adjectives
Introduction
Comparative adjectives are used to compare differences between two nouns. They help us express how one thing is different from another in terms of size, speed, beauty, and more.
Forming Comparative Adjectives
1. One-Syllable Adjectives
- Rule: Add `-er` to the end of the adjective.
- Examples:
- tall → taller
- fast → faster
- small → smaller
2. Two-Syllable Adjectives Ending in "Y"
- Rule: Change the "y" to `-ier`.
- Examples:
- happy → happier
- busy → busier
- funny → funnier
3. Two or More Syllables
- Rule: Use "more" before the adjective.
- Examples:
- beautiful → more beautiful
- difficult → more difficult
- expensive → more expensive
4. Irregular Comparatives
Some adjectives have irregular comparative forms that do not follow the usual rules.
- Examples:
- good → better
- bad → worse
- far → farther/further
Examples of Comparative Adjectives
| Adjective | Comparative |
|---|---|
| strong | stronger |
| clever | cleverer |
| interesting | more interesting |
| long | longer |
| old | older |
Usage of Comparative Adjectives
Comparative adjectives are used to show differences between two nouns. The structure is:
\[ \text{Noun 1} + \text{comparative adjective} + \text{than} + \text{Noun 2} \]
Examples:
- My house is bigger than your house.
- This book is more interesting than that one.
- She is taller than her brother.
- Today is hotter than yesterday.
- This exam is easier than the last one.
Practice
Complete the sentences with the correct comparative form of the adjective in parentheses:
- Tom is (young) than Jerry.
- This smartphone is (expensive) than mine.
- Sarah’s hair is (long) than Emma’s.
- My car is (fast) than your car.
- English is (difficult) than math for me.
- This road is (narrow) than that one.
- Apples are (healthy) than chips.
- His story was (funny) than hers.
- The blue dress is (pretty) than the red one.
- Mount Everest is (high) than any other mountain in the world.
Conclusion
Comparative adjectives are an essential part of English grammar, allowing us to describe and distinguish between two things. By understanding the rules for forming comparatives and practicing their usage, you can make your comparisons clear and effective.