Learning how to use comparatives in sentences is a fundamental aspect of mastering the English language. Comparatives allow us to compare two things, showing differences in size, quantity, quality, or degree. This article will delve into the rules and nuances of using comparatives, providing practical examples and tips to help you become proficient in their use.
Understanding Comparatives
Comparatives are adjectives or adverbs used to compare two things. They often end in “-er” or are preceded by “more” or “less.” For example, in the sentence “John is taller than Mark,” “taller” is the comparative adjective used to compare John’s height to Mark’s height.
Forming Comparatives
There are several ways to form comparatives in English, depending on the word being used. Let’s explore the most common methods:
1. One-Syllable Adjectives
For most one-syllable adjectives, you form the comparative by adding “-er” to the end of the adjective. Here are a few examples:
– **Tall** becomes **taller**: “Alice is taller than Bob.”
– **Small** becomes **smaller**: “This box is smaller than that one.”
– **Fast** becomes **faster**: “She runs faster than her brother.”
However, if the adjective ends in a consonant-vowel-consonant pattern, you need to double the final consonant before adding “-er.” For instance:
– **Big** becomes **bigger**: “This room is bigger than the other one.”
– **Hot** becomes **hotter**: “Today is hotter than yesterday.”
2. Two-Syllable Adjectives
For two-syllable adjectives, you generally form the comparative by adding “more” or “less” before the adjective, rather than adding “-er.” Examples include:
– **Careful** becomes **more careful**: “She is more careful than her sister.”
– **Modern** becomes **more modern**: “This design is more modern than that one.”
– **Polite** becomes **more polite**: “He is more polite than his friend.”
However, there are exceptions. Some two-syllable adjectives can take either form. For example:
– **Happy** can become **happier** or **more happy**: “She is happier/more happy than before.”
3. Three-Syllable (or More) Adjectives
For adjectives with three or more syllables, the comparative is formed by using “more” or “less” before the adjective. Examples include:
– **Interesting** becomes **more interesting**: “This book is more interesting than the last one.”
– **Expensive** becomes **more expensive**: “That car is more expensive than this one.”
– **Comfortable** becomes **more comfortable**: “This chair is more comfortable than the sofa.”
4. Irregular Comparatives
Some adjectives have irregular comparative forms, which do not follow the typical rules. These must be memorized as there are no shortcuts. Here are a few common examples:
– **Good** becomes **better**: “This restaurant is better than the other one.”
– **Bad** becomes **worse**: “His behavior is worse than hers.”
– **Far** becomes **farther** or **further**: “He lives farther/further away than she does.”
Using Comparatives in Sentences
When using comparatives in sentences, it’s essential to follow specific grammatical structures to ensure clarity and correctness. Let’s examine these structures:
1. Comparative + Than
The most common way to use a comparative in a sentence is by pairing it with “than.” This structure highlights the difference between the two things being compared. For example:
– “Apples are **sweeter** than oranges.”
– “This test is **easier** than the previous one.”
– “My dog is **friendlier** than my cat.”
2. As + Adjective/Adverb + As
When you want to express that two things are equal in some way, you use the “as + adjective/adverb + as” structure. For example:
– “She is **as intelligent as** her brother.”
– “This cake is **as delicious as** the one we had last week.”
– “He runs **as fast as** a cheetah.”
Note that this structure is not a comparative but rather an *equative*, which shows equality rather than a difference.
3. Double Comparatives
Using double comparatives can help emphasize the increasing degree of an adjective or adverb. The structure is “the + comparative, the + comparative.” For example:
– “The **faster** you run, the **healthier** you become.”
– “The **more** you practice, the **better** you get.”
– “The **older** he gets, the **wiser** he becomes.”
Common Mistakes with Comparatives
Even advanced English learners can make mistakes with comparatives. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
1. Incorrect Use of “More” with Short Adjectives
A frequent error is using “more” with short, one-syllable adjectives, which should instead take the “-er” suffix. For example:
Incorrect: “She is more tall than her brother.”
Correct: “She is taller than her brother.”
2. Omitting “Than” in Comparisons
When making comparisons, always include “than” to show the relationship between the two things being compared. For example:
Incorrect: “This book is better that one.”
Correct: “This book is better than that one.”
3. Using Double Comparatives
Avoid using double comparatives, which means combining “more” or “most” with the “-er” or “-est” suffix. For example:
Incorrect: “This is more better than that.”
Correct: “This is better than that.”
4. Confusion Between “Farther” and “Further”
“Farther” is used to refer to physical distance, while “further” is more abstract and can refer to additional time, amount, or degree. For example:
– “He walked **farther** than anyone else in the group.”
– “We need to discuss this **further** in the meeting.”
Practical Exercises
To solidify your understanding of comparatives, practice is essential. Below are a few exercises to help you apply what you’ve learned:
Exercise 1: Forming Comparatives
Form the comparative for the following adjectives:
1. Quick
2. Bright
3. Heavy
4. Generous
5. Old
Answers:
1. Quicker
2. Brighter
3. Heavier
4. More generous
5. Older
Exercise 2: Using Comparatives in Sentences
Complete the sentences using the correct comparative form:
1. This movie is (exciting) __________ than the last one.
2. My new car is (fast) __________ than my old car.
3. She is (talented) __________ than her peers.
4. Today is (cold) __________ than yesterday.
5. His house is (big) __________ than mine.
Answers:
1. More exciting
2. Faster
3. More talented
4. Colder
5. Bigger
Exercise 3: Correct the Mistakes
Identify and correct the mistakes in the following sentences:
1. This bag is more heavier than that one.
2. She is as tall than her sister.
3. He runs more quick than his friend.
4. The more you study, the more smarter you get.
5. This is the better cake I have ever tasted.
Answers:
1. This bag is heavier than that one.
2. She is as tall as her sister.
3. He runs quicker than his friend.
4. The more you study, the smarter you get.
5. This is the best cake I have ever tasted.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of comparatives in sentences is crucial for effective communication in English. By understanding the rules for forming comparatives, using them correctly in sentences, and avoiding common mistakes, you can significantly improve your language skills. Remember to practice regularly, as this will help reinforce your learning and make using comparatives second nature. Happy learning!
