Comparative Adjectives

Comparative adjectives help us compare two things. We use them to show how one thing is different from another. Let's learn how to form and use them.

Here's an example sentence: "The Eiffel Tower is taller than the White House."

Forming Comparative Adjectives

We form comparative adjectives based on the number of syllables in the adjective. Here are the rules:

Rule 1: For one-syllable adjectives, add -er.

Examples: quick → quicker, short → shorter, large → larger

Rule 2: For one-syllable adjectives ending in a vowel + consonant, double the last letter and add -er.

Examples: thin → thinner, big → bigger

Rule 3: For adjectives with two syllables not ending in -y, or adjectives with three or more syllables, add "more" before the adjective.

Examples: thoughtful → more thoughtful, important → more important

Rule 4: For two-syllable adjectives ending in -y, change the -y to -i and add -er.

Examples: busy → busier, happy → happier

Some adjectives are irregular and don't follow these rules. Here are a few:

Good → better, bad → worse, far → farther/further

Basic Grammar of Comparative Adjectives

You can use a comparative adjective just like any other adjectives.

Example: "I have a bigger house now."

If you want to compare two things, use the preposition "than".

Grammar Rule: Subject + be verb + comparative adjective + "than" + object.

Common Patterns with Comparative Adjectives

Pattern 1: Comparative adjective + "and" + comparative adjective

This pattern shows that something is continuing to change.

Pattern 2: "The" + comparative adjective + subject + verb, "the" + comparative adjective + subject + verb

This pattern shows that two things change together.

Comparative adjectives help us describe differences and changes. Practice using these patterns to make your English more precise and interesting!