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Practice Comparatives Grammar Explanation
Comparatives are used to compare two things, people, or ideas. They show the difference between two items by modifying adjectives and adverbs. Comparatives are essential for everyday communication when expressing preferences, making choices, and describing differences. Understanding how to form comparatives correctly depends on the length and type of adjective being modified.
There are two main ways to form comparatives in English: adding -er to short adjectives (one or two syllables) or using more before longer adjectives (three or more syllables). Some adjectives are irregular and have completely different comparative forms that must be memorized. Knowing these rules helps you compare things accurately and naturally.
Comparative Formation Rules
| Type | Rule | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Short (1 syllable) | Add -er | tall → taller, fast → faster, old → older |
| Ending in -e | Add -r | large → larger, nice → nicer, wide → wider |
| Ending in CVC | Double + -er | big → bigger, hot → hotter, thin → thinner |
| Ending in -y | Change y to -ier | happy → happier, easy → easier, heavy → heavier |
| Long (3+ syllables) | Use more | beautiful → more beautiful, expensive → more expensive |
Irregular Comparatives
- Good → BetterThis book is better than that one. She is better at math than me.
- Bad → WorseThe weather is worse today. His condition is getting worse.
- Far → Farther/FurtherMy house is farther from school. We need further information.
Using Than
Always use than when comparing two things: She is taller than her brother. This car is more expensive than that one. Tokyo is bigger than Osaka.
Interactive practice and exercise for Comparatives grammar. Master comparing things with this comprehensive exercise.
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