In terms of evaluating two issues, comparative adjectives like higher are higher than different adjectives. For comparisons, they’re simply extra helpful than adjectives of their common type.
The true query is the right way to use comparative adjectives. On this information, we talk about all the things it’s essential to find out about comparative adjectives, from the spelling guidelines, to when to make use of extra, to clearing up the comparative-versus-superlative-adjectives confusion. However first let’s give a extra detailed reply to the query, “What are comparative adjectives?”
What are comparative adjectives?
Comparative adjectives are a type adjectives take when evaluating two (and solely two) issues, corresponding to “she is older than him” or “he’s extra critical than them.” For many quick adjectives, we merely add the suffix -er on the finish of the phrase, whereas for longer adjectives we normally add the adverb extra immediately earlier than the phrase.
In concept, any adjective can turn into a comparative adjective, so long as you observe the principles. Nonetheless, some phrases have meanings that may’t be in contrast, corresponding to distinctive—one thing can’t be kind of distinctive than one thing else.
Find out how to use comparative adjectives in a sentence
The simplest approach to make use of comparative adjectives in a sentence is that this:
[Noun A] + [be or another linking verb] + [comparative adjective] + than + [Noun B]
On this building, Noun A has extra of the comparative adjective’s trait than Noun B.
The film was extra boring than the e book.
She appears nicer than her sister.
That is the best approach to make use of comparative adjectives, however it’s not the one approach. As a result of comparative adjectives are nonetheless adjectives, you need to use them to type adjective phrases.
Stronger than a bull, Hercules simply accomplished his twelve duties.
You don’t all the time have to say each issues in a comparability. Generally one is already talked about, so your viewers already is aware of what you’re speaking about. On this case, the second factor is assumed or understood, so that you don’t have to repeat it.
My laptop computer weighs greater than a brick! I would like a newer one.
If one of many issues is assumed and never talked about, you don’t want the phrase than.
When to make use of extra with comparative adjectives
Earlier we mentioned that “quick” adjectives use the suffix –er and “lengthy” adjectives use the phrase extra earlier than them. That may be a little obscure, so listed below are the particular adjectives that use extra:
- All adjectives with three or extra syllables
- Adjectives with two syllables besides people who finish in –er, –ow, –le, or –y
So if an adjective has two or extra syllables, it is going to most likely use extra. The one exceptions are two-syllable adjectives with the endings –er, –ow, –le, and –y—these use particular spelling guidelines with the suffix –er, defined under.
Additionally be aware that utilizing extra with comparative adjectives is just like utilizing much less. You possibly can add much less earlier than any adjective with out having to vary the spelling.
5 spelling guidelines for forming comparative adjectives
1
One-syllable adjectives
For many adjectives with one syllable, merely add the suffix –er on the finish of the phrase with out altering the spelling.
sensible -> smarter
variety -> kinder
The exceptions are one-syllable adjectives that finish in –e or a consonant-vowel-consonant, which have completely different guidelines, defined under.
2
One-syllable adjectives ending in –e
If a one-syllable adjective already ends in -e, simply add an -r on the finish. You don’t want so as to add one other e.
massive -> bigger
free -> freer
3
One-syllable adjectives ending in consonant-vowel-consonant
Watch out of one-syllable adjectives with the final three letters in a consonant-vowel-consonant format, like huge or skinny. For these, it’s a must to double the final consonant after which add –er.
huge -> greater
skinny -> thinner
4
One- or two-syllable adjectives ending in –y
If an adjective with both one or two syllables ends in a -y, first change the y into an i after which add –er.
dry -> drier
possible -> likelier
5
Two-syllable adjectives ending in –er, –ow, or –le
If an adjective with two syllables ends with -er (like bitter) or –ow (like slim), you possibly can simply add –er to the tip with out altering the spelling (bitterer or narrower). If a two-syllable adjective ends in –le, you possibly can simply add –r with out including a second e.
intelligent -> cleverer
shallow -> shallower
easy -> easier
Irregular comparative adjectives
Not all adjectives observe the principles above. Strive memorizing these irregular comparative adjectives so that you all the time know the proper phrase to make use of.
| Customary type | Comparative type |
| good | higher |
| unhealthy | worse |
| far | farther or additional |
| enjoyable | funner or extra enjoyable |
| good-looking | handsomer |
| many | extra |
| well mannered | politer |
| quiet | quieter |
| silly | stupider |
Notice that enjoyable has two choices. There’s lots of confusion about funner vs. extra enjoyable, however the fact is that each are completely acceptable in English. Nonetheless, most trendy English audio system choose extra enjoyable.
Comparative vs. superlative adjectives
Comparative adjectives are fairly just like superlative adjectives, with comparatives utilizing the suffix –er or the adverb extra, and superlatives utilizing the suffix –est or the adverb most.
In grammar, comparatives are sometimes paired with superlatives as a result of they’re each utilized in comparisons and observe most of the identical spelling guidelines, corresponding to altering the y to an i on the finish of a one- or two-syllable adjective.
Let’s clear up the confusion between comparative vs. superlative adjectives. The distinction between comparative and superlative adjectives is the variety of issues being in contrast.
- If you happen to’re evaluating solely two issues, use comparative adjectives.
- If you happen to’re evaluating three or extra issues, together with all the things in a bunch, use superlative adjectives.
Simply have a look at using each comparative and superlative adjectives on this instance:
I’m stronger than my brother, however the strongest individual within the household is grandma!
Comparative adjectives FAQs
What’s a comparative adjective?
Comparative adjectives are a type adjectives take when evaluating two (and solely two) issues, corresponding to “she is older than him” or “he’s extra critical than her.” For many quick adjectives, we merely add the suffix -er on the finish of the phrase, whereas for longer adjectives we normally add the adverb extra immediately earlier than the phrase.
What are some examples of comparative adjectives?
Some frequent examples of comparative adjectives, each common and irregular, embrace:
- quicker
- smaller
- extra essential
- extra assured
- higher
- worse
How is a superlative adjective completely different from a comparative adjective?
The distinction between comparative adjectives and superlative adjectives is the variety of issues within the comparability. For evaluating solely two issues, use comparative adjectives. For evaluating three or extra issues, together with all the things in a bunch, use superlative adjectives.
