One of the most common ways to make comparisons in English is to use a word that signals a comparison (for example more, less, fewer, better, worse), followed by “than”.
Examples:
- I have more than you.
- We brought fewer apples than oranges.
- He is less independent than I was at his age.
- They are more interested in history than science.
- We are better at tennis than my boss and her husband.
- In my opinion, having to start work at 7am is worse than starting work at 9am.
We can turn many adjectives into comparatives by adding the suffix -er. “Smart” becomes “smarter,” “tall” and “short” become “taller” and “shorter,” and “old” and “young” become “older” and “younger.” Other adjectives have slight variations. “Big” and “fat” double the last consonant and become “bigger” and “fatter.” “Funny” and “lovely” change the Y into an I and become “funnier” and “lovelier.”
Examples:
- The American comedian is funnier than the British comedian.
- You’re so much taller now than you were when I last saw you!
- Even though he’s older than her, she is smarter than he is.
Other adjectives do not take the -er suffix. We would never say “interestinger” or “dangerouser” but instead would say “more interesting” and “more dangerous.”
Examples:
- They seem more worried than usual.
- I am less afraid of spiders than of other bugs.
There are exceptions, but shorter adjectives (ex. smart, happy, nice) are more likely to take -er suffix than longer adjectives (ex. beautiful, complicated, intelligent), which are more likely to go with “more” or “less.”
What about describing two things that are very similar? In this case, we do not use a comparative structure but we use the structure of “as … as” instead.
Examples:
- My college friends are just as nice as my friends from home.
- It’s as easy as ABC!
- They own as many cars as the royal family!
- I do not like chocolate ice cream as much as I like vanilla ice cream.
Let’s practice!
“In my opinion….” Fill in the blanks to make each sentence a comparison. Express your opinions!
1. The current president is ________________________ than the previous one.
2. Soccer is a _________________________ sport than basketball.
3. Rock music is _________________________ rap music.
4. Girls are as __________________________ as boys.
5. Reading is ____________________ entertaining ___________________ watching TV.
6. It is ______________________ important to be on time _____________________ it is to be prepared.
7. Life today is _________________________ life 100 years ago.
8. Education is __________________________ health.
9. The Queen of England is _______________________ President Obama.
10. You are ________________________ I am.
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