Understanding how to form comparatives of superiority is essential for anyone looking to improve their English language skills. Comparatives allow us to express differences between two entities, indicating that one has a higher degree of a particular quality than the other. This article aims to provide a detailed guide on how to form and use comparatives of superiority correctly in English.
Basics of Comparatives
Comparatives are used to compare two people, places, things, or ideas. The primary function of comparatives of superiority is to show that one entity has more of a certain quality than the other. For example, in the sentence “John is taller than Peter,” “taller” is a comparative adjective that highlights John’s superior height compared to Peter.
Forming Comparatives with Short Adjectives
When dealing with short adjectives (usually one syllable, and sometimes two syllables ending in -y), forming the comparative is straightforward. Here are the rules:
1. **One-syllable adjectives**: Add “-er” to the end of the adjective.
– Example: “small” becomes “smaller.”
2. **Adjectives ending in -e**: Simply add “-r.”
– Example: “large” becomes “larger.”
3. **Adjectives ending in a single consonant preceded by a single vowel**: Double the consonant and add “-er.”
– Example: “big” becomes “bigger.”
4. **Two-syllable adjectives ending in -y**: Change the -y to -i and add “-er.”
– Example: “happy” becomes “happier.”
**Note**: When the adjective ends with a consonant + “y,” the “y” changes to “i” before adding “-er.”
Forming Comparatives with Long Adjectives
For long adjectives (typically two or more syllables, excluding those ending in -y), the rules differ:
1. **Use “more” before the adjective**:
– Example: “beautiful” becomes “more beautiful.”
– Example: “difficult” becomes “more difficult.”
This structure works regardless of the adjective’s length, as long as it has more than one syllable and does not fit the short adjective rules.
Irregular Comparatives
Some adjectives have irregular comparative forms, which do not follow standard rules. These must be memorized as they do not conform to the regular patterns. Here are some common examples:
– “Good” becomes “better.”
– “Bad” becomes “worse.”
– “Far” becomes “farther” or “further.”
– “Little” becomes “less.”
– “Many” or “much” becomes “more.”
Comparatives with Adverbs
Adverbs, like adjectives, can also have comparative forms. The rules for forming comparatives with adverbs are similar to those for adjectives:
1. **One-syllable adverbs**: Add “-er.”
– Example: “fast” becomes “faster.”
2. **Adverbs ending in -ly**: Use “more.”
– Example: “quickly” becomes “more quickly.”
Irregular adverbs also exist and should be memorized:
– “Well” becomes “better.”
– “Badly” becomes “worse.”
– “Far” becomes “farther” or “further.”
Using “Than” in Comparatives
To complete the comparative structure, use the word “than” to introduce the second element of the comparison. This helps clarify the entities being compared. For example:
– “She is taller than her brother.”
– “This book is more interesting than the last one.”
Special Cases and Exceptions
There are some exceptions and special cases when forming comparatives, especially in conversational English:
1. **Adjectives ending in -y but having more syllables**:
– Example: “happy” becomes “happier,” but “easy” becomes “easier.”
2. **Words like “fun”**:
– Though “funner” is increasingly used in informal contexts, the traditional form is “more fun.”
3. **Compound adjectives**:
– Example: “good-looking” becomes “better-looking,” not “gooder-looking.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When learning to form comparatives, learners often make mistakes. Here are some common errors and how to avoid them:
1. **Using the wrong comparative form**:
– Incorrect: “She is more smarter than him.”
– Correct: “She is smarter than him.”
2. **Forgetting to use “than”**:
– Incorrect: “This car is faster the other one.”
– Correct: “This car is faster than the other one.”
3. **Mixing up irregular forms**:
– Incorrect: “This is badder than that.”
– Correct: “This is worse than that.”
4. **Double comparatives**:
– Incorrect: “He is more taller than me.”
– Correct: “He is taller than me.”
Practice and Application
To master comparatives of superiority, practice is key. Here are some exercises to help you:
1. **Fill in the blanks**:
– “This movie is _______ (interesting) than the book.”
– “She runs _______ (fast) than her brother.”
2. **Correct the sentences**:
– “He is more happier than before.”
– “This problem is more easier to solve.”
3. **Create your own sentences**:
– Think of two items, people, or ideas and compare them using the correct form of comparatives.
Advanced Exercises
For those looking to challenge themselves, consider these more advanced exercises:
1. **Comparing multiple items**:
– “Of the three siblings, John is the _______ (tall).”
– “This task is _______ (hard) than the previous ones but _______ (easy) than the next.”
2. **Using comparatives in context**:
– Write a short paragraph comparing two characters from a book, movie, or TV show, using a variety of comparative forms.
Conclusion
Forming comparatives of superiority in English involves understanding the rules for short and long adjectives, recognizing irregular forms, and practicing their use in sentences. By following the guidelines provided in this article and engaging in regular practice, you can enhance your ability to make comparisons and communicate more effectively in English.
Remember, the key to mastering any aspect of language is consistent practice and exposure. Keep practicing, and soon forming comparatives of superiority will become second nature to you.
