Understanding the Comparative Form in English

Understanding the Comparative Form in English

The comparative form is used to compare two things, people, or situations. It helps express differences in qualities, quantities, or actions. Learning how to use it correctly enhances writing and speaking skills.

What is the comparative form?

The comparative form of adjectives and adverbs is used when comparing two things or actions. It is usually formed by adding "-er" to short adjectives or using "more" with longer adjectives.

Rules for forming comparatives

1. Short Adjectives (One Syllable)

   • Add "-er" to the adjective.

   • Example:

     • Fast → Faster

     • Small → Smaller

2. Adjectives Ending in "e"

   • Just add "-r".

   • Example:

     • Nice → Nicer

     • Large → Larger

3. Adjectives Ending in a Consonant + Vowel + Consonant

   • Double the last consonant before adding "-er".

   • Example:

     • Big → Bigger

     • Hot → Hotter

4. Long Adjectives (Two or More Syllables)

   • Use "more" before the adjective.

   • Example:

     • Beautiful → More beautiful

     • Expensive → More expensive

5. Irregular Comparatives

   • Some adjectives have irregular forms.

   • Example:

     • Good → Better

     • Bad → Worse

     • Far → Farther/Further

examples of the comparative form

• This book is thicker than that one.

• My house is larger than yours.

• She is more intelligent than her brother.

• This exam is worse than the last one.

• I ran faster than my friend.

common mistakes:

❌ mistake 1: using "more" and "-er" together
Incorrect: This dress is more longer than that one.
Correct: This dress is longer than that one.
Explanation: Never use "more" and "-er" together. Use only one.

❌ mistake 2: forgetting to double the last consonant
Incorrect: This room is biger than the other one.
Correct: This room is bigger than the other one.
Explanation: If an adjective ends in consonant + vowel + consonant, double the last consonant.

❌ mistake 3: using "most" instead of "more"
Incorrect: This city is most crowded than that one.
Correct: This city is more crowded than that one.
Explanation: Use "more" with long adjectives (two or more syllables).

❌ mistake 4: using "than" incorrectly
Incorrect: My house is bigger that yours.
Correct: My house is bigger than yours.
Explanation: Always use "than" after a comparative adjective.

4 exercises on the comparative form

✔ exercise 1: fill in the blanks with the correct comparative form

1. This car is __________ (fast) than mine.

2. His explanation was __________ (clear) than before.

3. She is __________ (strong) than her sister.

4. This road is __________ (narrow) than that one.

✔ exercise 2: choose the correct sentence
1.
a) This chair is more comfortable than that one.
b) This chair is most comfortable than that one.

2. a) This movie is badder than the previous one.
   b) This movie is worse than the previous one.

3. a) I run faster than my brother.
   b) I run more faster than my brother.

4. a) She is more happier today.
   b) She is happier today.

✔ exercise 3: correct the mistakes in these sentences

1. This cake is more tastier than the other one. → Correct it: __________

2. The test was difficulter than I expected. → Correct it: __________

3. He is more tall than his brother. → Correct it: __________

4. The blue car is expensiver than the red one. → Correct it: __________

✔ exercise 4: write sentences using the comparative form

1. Compare two cities using "more"

2. Compare two people using "taller"

3. Compare two foods using "better"

4. Compare two objects using "larger"