CEFR B1

    Comparatives

    Learn to compare two things using comparative adjectives and adverbs. Practice making accurate comparisons in everyday English conversations and writing.

    Learning Objectives

    Master the use of comparative forms to compare two people, things, or actions in English.
    Form comparative adjectives and adverbs correctly using -er, more, and irregular forms.
    Use than correctly in comparisons and understand when to use less vs fewer.
    Finish the lesson by confidently making comparisons in everyday conversations and writing!

    What Are Comparatives?

    Comparatives are used when we want to compare two things, people, or actions. We use comparative adjectives to show the difference between two nouns, and comparative adverbs to compare how actions are performed, making your English more descriptive and precise.

    Why Use Comparatives?

    Comparatives help you express differences, preferences, and changes in English. They are essential for:

    ✓ Comparing two people or things directly

    ✓ Showing differences in qualities, abilities, or characteristics

    ✓ Expressing preferences and making informed choices

    ✓ Describing changes and improvements over time

    ✓ Making your speech and writing more detailed and interesting

    Forming Comparative Adjectives

    1. One-Syllable Adjectives

    Add -er to the end of the adjective. For adjectives ending in -e, just add -r.

    • tall → taller: 'John is taller than Mike.'
    • large → larger: 'This room is larger than the other one.'
    • big → bigger: 'Today is bigger than yesterday.' (double final consonant)

    2. Two-Syllable Adjectives Ending in -y

    Change -y to -i and add -er. These adjectives behave like one-syllable adjectives.

    • happy → happier: 'She seems happier than last week.'
    • easy → easier: 'This test was easier than the last one.'
    • busy → busier: 'I'm busier than ever this month.'

    3. Two or More Syllable Adjectives

    Use 'more' before the adjective. Most adjectives with two or more syllables use this form.

    • beautiful → more beautiful: 'This painting is more beautiful than that one.'
    • difficult → more difficult: 'Math is more difficult than English.'
    • interesting → more interesting: 'The book was more interesting than the movie.'

    4. Irregular Comparative Forms

    Some common adjectives have completely irregular comparative forms that must be memorized.

    • good → better: 'Your English is better than mine.'
    • bad → worse: 'The weather is worse today than yesterday.'
    • far → farther/further: 'The store is farther than I thought.'
    • little → less: 'I have less time now than before.'

    Common Mistakes to Avoid

    ❌ Wrong: Using both 'more' and '-er' - 'This is more better than that.'

    ✓ Correct: 'This is better than that.' (use one comparative form only)

    ❌ Wrong: Forgetting 'than' - 'She is taller her brother.'

    ✓ Correct: 'She is taller than her brother.' (always use 'than' in comparisons)

    ❌ Wrong: Wrong comparative form - 'This is more easy than the last test.'

    ✓ Correct: 'This is easier than the last test.' (change -y to -i and add -er)

    ❌ Wrong: Confusing 'less' and 'fewer' - 'There are less people today.'

    ✓ Correct: 'There are fewer people today.' (use 'fewer' with countable nouns)

    Learning Tips

    • Count the syllables: 1 syllable = -er, 2+ syllables = more (except -y endings)
    • Remember the spelling rules: double final consonants (big → bigger) and y → i (happy → happier)
    • Always use than when comparing two different things or people
    • Memorize the irregular forms: good → better, bad → worse, far → farther/further
    • Use 'less' with uncountable nouns (less time, less money) and 'fewer' with countable nouns (fewer people, fewer books)
    • Practice by comparing things around you: "My phone is newer than yours," "This coffee is hotter than that one"

    Speaking Practice:

    To practice your pronunciation, listen to the native speaker audio first. Then 'Record' yourself repeating what you heard, then use the 'Playback' button to compare your pronunciation with the native speaker. If you want to record yourself again, simply click 'Delete'!

    ✓ This book is more interesting than the one I read last week. (long adjective with 'more')

    ✓ She runs faster than her brother in every race they have. (short adverb with '-er')

    ✓ My new apartment is much bigger than my old one was. (short adjective with '-er')

    ✓ This exam was easier than I expected it to be. (adjective ending in '-y')

    ✓ He speaks English more fluently than most of his classmates. (long adverb with 'more')

    Your exercises are loading!

    Your exercises are loading!

    Your exercises are loading!

    Continue Your Learning Journey

    Keep building your English skills with these carefully selected next steps

    Help Other People Just Like You Improve Their English!

    Share Free Daily English With Them Today!