When learning English, one of the fundamental aspects that every learner must grasp is the use of comparatives. Comparatives are essential for making comparisons between two or more entities. They allow us to express differences and similarities in various attributes such as size, amount, degree, and quality. Two common comparative forms used in English are “more” and “less.” These forms help to compare non-countable and countable nouns, adjectives, and adverbs.
Understanding how to use “more” and “less” correctly can significantly enhance your communication skills. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of using these comparatives effectively.
Understanding Comparatives
Comparatives are words or constructions used to compare two entities. In English, comparatives can be formed in several ways, but the focus here is on “more” and “less.” These words allow us to compare amounts, degrees, and quantities.
When to Use “More”
“More” is used when we want to indicate a higher degree or a greater amount of something. It can be applied to adjectives, adverbs, and nouns. Here are a few examples to illustrate its usage:
1. **Adjectives**: When “more” is used with adjectives, it highlights that one thing possesses a greater degree of a quality than another.
– Example: “She is more intelligent than her brother.”
2. **Adverbs**: When “more” is used with adverbs, it suggests that an action is performed to a greater extent.
– Example: “He works more diligently than his colleagues.”
3. **Nouns**: When “more” is used with nouns, it indicates a greater quantity or number.
– Example: “We need more time to complete the project.”
When to Use “Less”
“Less” is used when we want to indicate a lower degree or a smaller amount of something. Similar to “more,” it can be used with adjectives, adverbs, and nouns. Here are examples of its usage:
1. **Adjectives**: When “less” is used with adjectives, it indicates that one thing possesses a lesser degree of a quality than another.
– Example: “This task is less challenging than the previous one.”
2. **Adverbs**: When “less” is used with adverbs, it suggests that an action is performed to a lesser extent.
– Example: “She speaks less loudly than her sister.”
3. **Nouns**: When “less” is used with nouns, it indicates a smaller quantity or number.
– Example: “We have less water available this year.”
Forming Comparatives with “More” and “Less”
To form comparatives with “more” and “less,” it’s important to understand the structure and rules that govern their use. The following sections will explain how to construct these comparatives with various parts of speech.
Comparatives with Adjectives
When forming comparatives with adjectives, the general rule is to place “more” or “less” before the adjective. This structure is typically used for adjectives with two or more syllables.
**Examples**:
– “This book is more interesting than the other one.”
– “He is less experienced than his coworker.”
However, for one-syllable adjectives, we usually add “-er” for the comparative form. For example:
– “She is taller than her brother.”
But if you want to use “more” or “less” for emphasis or style, you can still do so:
– “She is more tall than her brother.” (Note: This is less common and can sound awkward.)
Comparatives with Adverbs
When forming comparatives with adverbs, the structure is similar to that of adjectives. Place “more” or “less” before the adverb.
**Examples**:
– “He runs more quickly than his friend.”
– “She sings less beautifully than the lead singer.”
For one-syllable adverbs, you can add “-er” to form the comparative:
– “He runs faster than his friend.”
Again, using “more” or “less” with one-syllable adverbs is less common but possible:
– “He runs more fast than his friend.” (Note: This is less common and can sound awkward.)
Comparatives with Nouns
When forming comparatives with nouns, you need to consider whether the noun is countable or uncountable. The structure is to place “more” or “less” before the noun.
**Examples**:
– “We need more chairs for the event.” (Countable noun)
– “There is less sugar in this recipe.” (Uncountable noun)
For countable nouns, “more” is used to indicate a greater number, and “less” is used for a smaller number:
– “She has more books than anyone else in the class.”
– “There are less students in the morning session.”
For uncountable nouns, “more” is used to indicate a greater amount, and “less” is used for a smaller amount:
– “We need more information to proceed.”
– “He has less patience than his sister.”
Special Cases and Exceptions
Like many rules in English, there are exceptions and special cases when it comes to using comparatives with “more” and “less.” Understanding these exceptions will help you use comparatives more accurately.
Irregular Comparatives
Some adjectives and adverbs have irregular comparative forms that do not follow the typical patterns. Here are a few common examples:
– “Good” becomes “better” (not “more good” or “less good”).
– Example: “Her performance is better than last time.”
– “Bad” becomes “worse” (not “more bad” or “less bad”).
– Example: “His behavior is worse than before.”
– “Far” becomes “farther” or “further” (not “more far” or “less far”).
– Example: “He can run farther than his brother.”
Using “More” and “Less” with Multiple Syllable Adjectives
For adjectives with three or more syllables, always use “more” or “less” to form the comparative.
**Examples**:
– “This explanation is more comprehensive than the previous one.”
– “The new policy is less effective than the old one.”
Double Comparatives
Avoid using double comparatives, which means using both “more” or “less” and the “-er” form together. This is incorrect and should be avoided.
**Incorrect Examples**:
– “She is more taller than her brother.”
– “He is less happier than before.”
Using “Than” in Comparisons
When making comparisons using “more” and “less,” it is common to use “than” to introduce the second element of the comparison. This helps to clearly indicate what two things are being compared.
**Examples**:
– “She is more diligent than her colleague.”
– “He has less enthusiasm than his brother.”
Practical Applications
Understanding the rules and structures is one thing, but applying them in real-life situations is another. Here are some practical tips for using comparatives with “more” and “less” in everyday communication.
Conversational English
In casual conversations, comparatives are frequently used to describe experiences, preferences, and observations.
**Examples**:
– “I find hiking more enjoyable than running.”
– “She spends less time on social media than I do.”
Academic and Professional Contexts
In academic and professional settings, comparatives are often used to compare data, analyze trends, and draw conclusions.
**Examples**:
– “The new study is more comprehensive than previous research.”
– “This year’s sales are less impressive compared to last year’s figures.”
Writing Comparatives
When writing essays, reports, or articles, using comparatives can help you present clear and concise comparisons.
**Examples**:
– “The new software is more user-friendly than the old version.”
– “The results indicate that the treatment is less effective than initially anticipated.”
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding of using comparatives with “more” and “less,” here are some practice exercises. Try to complete these exercises on your own and then check your answers.
Exercise 1: Adjective Comparatives
Complete the sentences by filling in the blanks with the appropriate comparative form using “more” or “less.”
1. The new car is __________ (more/less) expensive than the old one.
2. She is __________ (more/less) talented than her sister.
3. This puzzle is __________ (more/less) difficult than the last one.
**Answers**:
1. more
2. more
3. more
Exercise 2: Adverb Comparatives
Complete the sentences by filling in the blanks with the appropriate comparative form using “more” or “less.”
1. He speaks __________ (more/less) clearly than his professor.
2. She works __________ (more/less) efficiently than her colleagues.
3. They arrived __________ (more/less) early than expected.
**Answers**:
1. more
2. more
3. less
Exercise 3: Noun Comparatives
Complete the sentences by filling in the blanks with the appropriate comparative form using “more” or “less.”
1. We need __________ (more/less) chairs for the meeting.
2. There is __________ (more/less) traffic on the weekends.
3. She has __________ (more/less) experience than her coworker.
**Answers**:
1. more
2. more
3. less
Conclusion
Mastering the use of comparatives with “more” and “less” is a crucial step in becoming proficient in English. These comparatives allow you to express differences and similarities with precision and clarity. By understanding the rules, structures, and exceptions, and by practicing regularly, you can enhance your communication skills and convey your thoughts more effectively.
Remember to pay attention to the context in which you are using comparatives, whether in casual conversations, academic discussions, or professional settings. With consistent practice and application, you will find that using “more” and “less” becomes second nature, enabling you to express yourself more confidently and accurately in English.
