Learn about Comparative Adjectives
Comparative Adjectives
Julie is short. (adjective)
Julie is shorter than Maria. (comparative)
We use an adjective to describe something. We use a comparative adjective (with than)to compare different things.
How to make Comparative Adjectives
| Short (one-syllable) Adjectives | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Rule | Adjective | Comparative | |
| One-syllable adjectives | + er | long old | longer older |
| Adjectives ending in -e | + r | large nice | larger nicer |
| Adjectives ending in vowel + consonant | + consonant + er | big hot | bigger hotter |
| Long (two or more syllable) Adjectives | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Rule | Adjective | Comparative | |
| Adjectives ending in -y | remove + ier | pretty funny | prettier funnier |
| All other adjectives | more + adjective | boring tiring | more boring more tiring |
There are also some irregular adjectives to remember:
good - better, bad - worse, far - further
Don't forget: you should use than to compare two things.
My sister is prettier than Angelina Jolie.
Comparatives: Advanced Points
We can use two comparatives together to talk about two things which change at the same time. The structure is "the + comparative + subject + verb, the + comparative + subject + verb".
The earlier I wake up, the more tired I feel.
Comparative adjective exercises