Comparatives

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