What do we use comparative adjectives for?
We use comparative to talk about the similarities and differences between different things. We can compare two things or groups of things. It is essential to use different types of comparatives when speaking English.
Comparing two things: She is taller than me. You are better looking than your dad.
(NORMAL) tall = taller, short = shorter, fast = faster
(IRREGULAR) good = better, bad = worse, far = further
(DOUBLE) big = bigger, fat = fatter, thin = thinner
(…IER) Happy = happier, funny = funnier, silly = sillier
(LONG: 3 syllables or more) expensive = more expensive
Comparing a group of things: It is the tallest building. They are the most expensive glasses in the shop.
(NORMAL) tall = the tallest, short = the shortest
(IRREGULAR) good = the best, bad = the worst
(DOUBLE) big = the biggest, fat = the fattest
(…IER) happy = the happiest, funny = the funniest
(LONG) expensive = the most expensive
Similarities: I am as funny as my brother. It is the same as yours.
as… as = the same as
I am as good-looking as my twin brother.
You aren’t as talkative as me.
It isn’t as easy as it sounds.
As much as = The same quantity as (uncountable nouns)
I earn as much money as you.
You do not eat as much as me.
As many as = The same quantity as (countable nouns)
You have just as many friends as me.
I haven’t got as many belongings as you.
By far: much more
This class is by far better than last years class.
I am by far the most experienced in the class.
Enough: suficient
(adjective + enough) My car is fast enough
(enough + noun) I don’t have enough money
Too: too is a negative aspect of something, meaning in excess
It was too expensive and I couldn’t afford it
I have too much furniture in my house
So: so + adjective
He is so cool that I want to be just like him. He is my idol.
Such: such + adjective + noun
That was such an awful meal that I won’t go back.
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Practice questions:
- Are you better than you speaking partner at English?
- Who is the cleverest person in your family?
- Do you practice your English enough?
- What aspect of English do you find too hard?
- Are you as optimistic as your best friend?
