Comparatives

Comparatives are used to show the difference between two objects. Let’s say that I have two cars. I have a little Toyota and a big Ford. A comparative is used to show the difference between the two. The Ford is big so we can say “the Ford is bigger than the Toyota”. Because the Toyota is small, we can say “The Toyota is smaller than the Ford”. To learn to use these we need to learn five basic rules.

1. If an adjective has 1 syllable we add the ending –er to the adjective.

i.e. small + er = smaller than

i.e. hard + er = harder than

2. If a one syllable adjective ends with a consonant + a vowel + a consonant you must double the last consonant and then add –er.

i.e. big + er = bigger than

i.e. fat + er = fatter than

3. If an adjective ends with a “y”, remove the “y” and add –ier.

i.e. happy –y +ier = happier than

i.e. funny –y +ier = funnier than

4. If an adjectives has two syllables or more without a “y” then add the word “more” before the word. If the adjective ends with a “y” you will only add the word “more” if it has two syllables or more.

i.e. beautiful + more = more beautiful than

i.e. expensive + more = more expensive than

i.e. satisfactory + more = more satisfactory than

5. There are a few exceptions.

good = better than

bad = worse than

far = farther than

• Remember, when using a comparative you must always follow it with the word “than”.
• The Toyota is smaller than the Ford
• The Ford is bigger than the Toyota
• Britney Spears is more beautiful than Janet Jackson
• The airplane is more expensive than the car.
• Jim Carrey is funnier than George Bush.