Comparatives are a fundamental aspect of the English language, allowing us to compare two or more items, people, or ideas. Despite their simplicity, comparatives can be a source of confusion and errors for both native speakers and learners of English. This article aims to highlight some of the most common errors in comparatives and provide clear examples and explanations to help language learners avoid these pitfalls.
Using “More” with Short Adjectives
One of the frequent mistakes in forming comparatives is the incorrect use of the word “more.” In English, short adjectives (usually one syllable) typically take the “-er” suffix to form the comparative. For example, “tall” becomes “taller,” and “fast” becomes “faster.” However, some learners mistakenly use “more” with these adjectives, resulting in incorrect constructions such as “more tall” or “more fast.”
Correct:
– John is taller than his brother.
– This car is faster than that one.
Incorrect:
– John is more tall than his brother.
– This car is more fast than that one.
Double Comparatives
Another common error is the use of double comparatives, where learners mistakenly combine “more” with the comparative form of the adjective. This usually happens with two-syllable adjectives that can form comparatives either with “-er” or with “more.” For instance, “happy” can become “happier” or “more happy,” but not “more happier.”
Correct:
– She is happier now than she was last year.
– This exercise is more difficult than the previous one.
Incorrect:
– She is more happier now than she was last year.
– This exercise is more difficulter than the previous one.
Irregular Comparatives
English has several irregular adjectives that do not follow the standard rules for forming comparatives. Learners often make errors by applying regular rules to these irregular adjectives. Some common examples include “good,” “bad,” and “far.”
Correct:
– His performance was better than expected.
– This situation is worse than before.
– The new office is farther away than the old one.
Incorrect:
– His performance was gooder than expected.
– This situation is badder than before.
– The new office is more far than the old one.
Comparatives of Equality
When expressing equality, learners often forget to use the correct structure. The comparative of equality typically uses the format “as + adjective + as.” Mistakes often occur when learners either omit one of the “as” or use “than” instead.
Correct:
– She is as tall as her brother.
– This book is as interesting as that one.
Incorrect:
– She is as tall her brother.
– This book is as interesting than that one.
Comparative and Superlative Confusion
Learners sometimes confuse comparatives with superlatives. While comparatives compare two items, superlatives are used to compare three or more items and denote the highest degree of a quality. This confusion often leads to sentences that don’t make sense.
Correct:
– This book is better than the one I read last week. (Comparative)
– This is the best book I have ever read. (Superlative)
Incorrect:
– This book is the better than the one I read last week.
– This is the more good book I have ever read.
Incorrect Comparatives with Adverbs
Just like adjectives, adverbs also have comparative forms. However, learners often apply the rules for adjectives to adverbs, leading to errors. For example, the adverb “quickly” becomes “more quickly” in the comparative form, not “quicklier.”
Correct:
– She ran more quickly than anyone else.
– He speaks more clearly than his brother.
Incorrect:
– She ran quicklier than anyone else.
– He speaks clearer than his brother.
Confusing “Less” and “Fewer”
The words “less” and “fewer” are often used incorrectly in comparative structures. “Less” is used with uncountable nouns, while “fewer” is used with countable nouns. Mixing these up can lead to grammatical errors.
Correct:
– I have fewer books than you.
– There is less water in this bottle.
Incorrect:
– I have less books than you.
– There is fewer water in this bottle.
Comparing Two Items from the Same Group
When comparing two items from the same group, learners sometimes fail to make the comparison clear. It’s important to specify what is being compared to avoid ambiguity.
Correct:
– Of the two sisters, Jane is taller.
– Between the two options, this one is better.
Incorrect:
– Jane is the taller sister.
– This one is the better option.
Using “Than” Incorrectly
The word “than” is essential in making comparisons, but it is often misused. Learners sometimes use “then” instead of “than,” which changes the meaning of the sentence entirely.
Correct:
– This movie is better than the last one.
– She is smarter than her classmates.
Incorrect:
– This movie is better then the last one.
– She is smarter then her classmates.
Comparatives in Negative Sentences
Forming comparatives in negative sentences can also be tricky. Learners sometimes forget to adjust the structure of the sentence to accommodate the negative form.
Correct:
– She is not as tall as her brother.
– This book is not more interesting than that one.
Incorrect:
– She is not as taller her brother.
– This book is not more interesting as that one.
Misplaced Modifiers
Modifiers such as “much,” “far,” and “a lot” are often used to emphasize comparatives. However, placing these modifiers incorrectly can lead to confusion or awkward sentences.
Correct:
– This problem is much easier than the previous one.
– He is far better at math than his peers.
Incorrect:
– This problem is easier much than the previous one.
– He is better far at math than his peers.
Comparative and Absolute Adjectives
Some adjectives are absolute and cannot logically have comparative forms. For example, “perfect” and “unique” are absolutes. Saying something is “more perfect” or “more unique” is logically incorrect.
Correct:
– This solution is perfect.
– Each snowflake is unique.
Incorrect:
– This solution is more perfect.
– Each snowflake is more unique.
Overuse of Comparatives
Learners sometimes overuse comparatives, especially in writing, thinking it adds emphasis. However, this can make sentences cumbersome and less effective.
Correct:
– This method is better than that one.
– She runs faster than her friends.
Incorrect:
– This method is much more better than that one.
– She runs much more faster than her friends.
Contextual Errors
Sometimes, the context in which a comparative is used can lead to errors. It’s crucial to ensure that the items being compared are logically and contextually comparable.
Correct:
– The weather today is warmer than yesterday.
– This coffee is stronger than the one I had earlier.
Incorrect:
– The weather today is warmer than the coffee.
– This coffee is stronger than the weather.
Avoiding Ambiguity
Comparative sentences should be clear and unambiguous. Sometimes, the sentence structure can lead to ambiguity, making it unclear what is being compared.
Correct:
– She is more experienced than any other candidate.
– This painting is more beautiful than the others in the gallery.
Incorrect:
– She is more experienced than any candidate.
– This painting is more beautiful than others.
Conclusion
Understanding and correctly using comparatives is essential for clear and effective communication in English. By being aware of the common errors outlined in this article, learners can improve their grasp of comparatives and avoid making these mistakes in their speech and writing. Remember to pay attention to the specific rules for different types of adjectives and adverbs, and always consider the context of your comparisons. With practice and careful attention, mastering comparatives will become a natural part of your language skills.
