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Comparatives

Main rule:
Comparatives are used to compare two things and to highlight the superiority, inferiority, or equality of one term compared to another.

 

Short Adjectives

( 1 - 2 syllables)

Long Adjectives

(3+ syllables)
superiority

ADJ + -ER than

fast > X is faster than Y.

MORE + ADJ than

expensive > X is more expensive than Y.
equalitity

as ADJ as

big > X is as big as Y.
inferiority

less ADJ than

beautiful > X is less beautiful than Y.


Examples: Jean is taller than Catherine. Philippe is less tall than Jean. Leïla is as tall as Jean.
young --> younger | tall --> taller | old --> older

 

NOTES:
> If the adjective ends in "--y" the "y" becomes "i" :
heavy --> heavier | early --> earlier | busy --> busier | healthy --> healthier | chilly --> chillier

> If the adjective ends in "--e" only an "r" is needed:
wise --> wiser | large --> larger | simple --> simpler | late --> later

> If the adjective ends with "single vowel + consonant" the consonant is doubled and one adds "--er" :
big --> bigger | thin --> thinner | hot --> hotter

> Some very common adjectives have irregular comparatives:
good --> better | bad --> worse | far --> farther

TEST - Compare these 2 cars (fictitious data). Use the adjectives.

MERCEDES

(big car)

$200,000

Mini

(small car)

$10,000

1. expensive > .............................................
2. cheap > ...................................................
3. powerful > ...............................................
4. large > ....................................................
5. comfortable > ..........................................
6. fast > ......................................................

 

ANSWERS (examples) 1. The Mercedes is more expensive than the Mini. 2. The Mini is cheaper than the Mercedes. 3. The Mercedes is more powerful than the Mini. 4. The Mercedes is larger than the Mini. The Mini is not as large as the Mercedes. 5. The Mercedes is more comfortable than the Mini. The Mini is less comfortable than the Mercedes. 6. The Mercedes is faster than the Mini.