Comparatives helps you communicate about differences between two referents. Start with the meaning, notice the pattern, and then use it in complete sentences.
By the end of this lesson, you can
- I can compare two people, things or situations accurately.
- Recognise and build the form: adjective-er + than; more + adjective + than; irregular forms.
- Use the pattern accurately in a meaningful sentence.
Meaning and use
Use Comparatives for differences between two referents. Always read the whole situation before choosing the form: grammar expresses a meaning, not only a pattern.
This route is shorter than the motorway.
Use '-er + than' with the short adjective 'short'.
The new system is more efficient than the old one.
Use 'more' with a longer adjective such as 'efficient'.
Today is better than yesterday.
'Better' is the irregular comparative form of 'good'.
adjective-er + than; more + adjective + than; irregular formsKeep this pattern visible while you study the examples. Then cover it and rebuild one example from memory.
Key rules to notice
These rules explain why the form is correct. Focus on the subject, auxiliary, verb form, word order and time or meaning clues.
- Use '-er + than' with the short adjective 'short'.
- Use 'more' with a longer adjective such as 'efficient'.
- 'Better' is the irregular comparative form of 'good'.
- Change final 'y' to 'i' and add '-er': heavy → heavier.
- Use 'less + adjective + than' for a lower degree.
Common mistakes
Not:This route is more short than the motorway.
Use:This route is shorter than the motorway.
Use '-er + than' with the short adjective 'short'.
Not:The new system is efficienter than the old one.
Use:The new system is more efficient than the old one.
Use 'more' with a longer adjective such as 'efficient'.
Not:Today is gooder than yesterday.
Use:Today is better than yesterday.
'Better' is the irregular comparative form of 'good'.
Check before you practise
Complete each sentence mentally, then reveal the answer.
My bag is ____ than yours.
heavier
Change final 'y' to 'i' and add '-er': heavy → heavier.
This problem is ____ than I expected.
less complicated
Use 'less + adjective + than' for a lower degree.
A train is usually ____ than a bus.
faster
Use the comparative 'faster' when comparing two transport types.