In everyday conversation, we frequently use comparatives to describe differences between two or more things. Comparatives allow us to express how one thing is different from another, whether it’s in terms of size, quality, quantity, or any other attribute. Understanding and using comparatives correctly can greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in English.
Understanding Comparatives
Comparatives are a type of adjective used to compare two entities. They often end in “-er” or are constructed with the word “more.” For example, in the sentence “She is taller than her brother,” “taller” is the comparative form of “tall.” When the adjective has more than one syllable and does not end in “-y,” we usually use “more” to form the comparative, such as “more beautiful.”
Forming Comparatives
The formation of comparatives depends on the structure of the adjective:
1. **One-Syllable Adjectives**: For most one-syllable adjectives, simply add “-er” to the end.
– Example: “fast” becomes “faster,” “small” becomes “smaller.”
2. **Two-Syllable Adjectives Ending in -y**: Change the “y” to “i” and add “-er.”
– Example: “happy” becomes “happier,” “busy” becomes “busier.”
3. **Adjectives with Two or More Syllables**: Use “more” before the adjective.
– Example: “beautiful” becomes “more beautiful,” “interesting” becomes “more interesting.”
4. **Irregular Comparatives**: Some adjectives have irregular comparative forms that do not follow the typical rules.
– Example: “good” becomes “better,” “bad” becomes “worse.”
Using Comparatives in Sentences
When using comparatives, it is common to include the word “than” to introduce the second item being compared. For example:
– “She is smarter than her colleague.”
– “This book is more interesting than the movie.”
In some cases, the comparison is understood from the context, and “than” may be omitted:
– “She runs faster.”
Common Comparatives in Daily Conversation
Let’s explore some common comparatives that you might encounter in everyday conversation.
Better and Worse
“Better” and “worse” are irregular comparatives often used to evaluate quality or performance.
– “This restaurant is better than the one we went to last week.”
– “My headache is worse today than it was yesterday.”
More and Less
“More” and “less” are used to compare quantities and intensities.
– “I need more time to finish this project.”
– “You should drink less coffee.”
Taller and Shorter
“Taller” and “shorter” are used to compare height.
– “John is taller than Mark.”
– “The trees in this park are shorter than the ones in the forest.”
Older and Younger
“Older” and “younger” are used to compare age.
– “My sister is older than me.”
– “He is younger than his classmates.”
Faster and Slower
“Faster” and “slower” are used to compare speed.
– “This car is faster than that one.”
– “She walks slower than her friend.”
More Expensive and Cheaper
“More expensive” and “cheaper” are used to compare cost.
– “This watch is more expensive than the one I bought last year.”
– “These shoes are cheaper online.”
Common Errors with Comparatives
While comparatives are generally straightforward, there are some common errors that learners should be aware of.
Double Comparatives
Avoid using double comparatives, where both “more” and the “-er” ending are used together.
– Incorrect: “This is more better.”
– Correct: “This is better.”
Incorrect Use of “Than”
Ensure that “than” is used correctly to introduce the second element of the comparison.
– Incorrect: “She is more taller.”
– Correct: “She is taller than him.”
Using Comparatives for Absolute Adjectives
Some adjectives describe absolute states and do not have comparative forms, such as “perfect” or “unique.”
– Incorrect: “This painting is more perfect.”
– Correct: “This painting is perfect.”
Practice Exercises
To master the use of comparatives, practice is essential. Here are some exercises to help you:
Exercise 1: Forming Comparatives
Change the following adjectives to their comparative forms:
1. Big
2. Easy
3. Bad
4. Happy
5. Interesting
Answers:
1. Bigger
2. Easier
3. Worse
4. Happier
5. More interesting
Exercise 2: Using Comparatives in Sentences
Complete the sentences with the correct comparative form:
1. My house is (large) ________ than yours.
2. This problem is (difficult) ________ than the last one.
3. She is (good) ________ at math than her brother.
4. This movie is (exciting) ________ than the book.
5. He is (young) ________ than his sister.
Answers:
1. Larger
2. More difficult
3. Better
4. More exciting
5. Younger
Exercise 3: Correcting Errors
Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences:
1. This coffee is more hotter than that one.
2. She runs more faster than her friend.
3. This is the most unique painting I’ve ever seen.
4. He is more taller than his brother.
5. This is more better than the previous version.
Answers:
1. This coffee is hotter than that one.
2. She runs faster than her friend.
3. This is the most unique painting I’ve ever seen. (Correct as it is; “unique” should not be compared.)
4. He is taller than his brother.
5. This is better than the previous version.
Real-Life Applications
Being able to use comparatives effectively is not just about grammar exercises; it’s about making your communication more nuanced and precise in real-life situations.
Comparatives in Descriptions
When describing things, places, or people, comparatives help convey detailed information.
– “The new model of the phone is thinner and lighter than the previous one.”
– “The weather today is colder than it was yesterday.”
Comparatives in Opinions
Expressing opinions often involves comparing two or more things.
– “I think this restaurant is better than the one downtown.”
– “This book is more engaging than the last one I read.”
Comparatives in Decision Making
Making choices frequently involves comparing options.
– “I would choose the cheaper option to save money.”
– “The faster route will get us there on time.”
Advanced Comparatives
For more advanced learners, understanding nuanced and less common comparative structures can be beneficial.
Comparative Clauses
Sometimes, comparatives are part of more complex clauses.
– “The harder you work, the more successful you will be.”
– “The more you practice, the better you become.”
Double Comparatives for Emphasis
In English, it’s possible to use double comparatives to emphasize a point.
– “This problem is getting more and more difficult.”
– “She is becoming less and less patient.”
Comparatives with “As…As”
While not comparatives in the traditional sense, the “as…as” structure is used to indicate equality.
– “She is as tall as her brother.”
– “This movie is as interesting as the book.”
Conclusion
Mastering the use of comparatives is a crucial aspect of becoming proficient in English. By understanding how to form and use comparatives, avoiding common errors, and practicing regularly, you can greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively. Whether you are describing, expressing opinions, or making decisions, comparatives play a vital role in ensuring your message is clear and precise. So, continue to practice and incorporate comparatives into your daily conversations to become a more confident and articulate English speaker.
