Comparative adjectives are a type of adjective used to compare two or more things, showing differences in qualities or characteristics. They also help describe nouns more precisely.
Examples:
- Today is colder than yesterday.
- She is smarter than him.
- Who is funnier, Allan or Tadashi?
- Studying Japanese is more difficult than studying English.
Rules for Forming Comparative Adjectives
The number of syllables in an adjective and its ending determine how the comparative form is created.
1. Short Adjectives (1 syllable)
Add -er to the adjective.
| Adjective | Comparative Adjective |
| Hot | Hotter |
| Cold | Colder |
| Cheap | Cheaper |
| Quick | Quicker |
2. Adjectives Ending in -y
Change -y to -ier.
| Adjective | Comparative Adjective |
| Funny | Funnier |
| Crazy | Crazier |
| Busy | Busier |
| Lazy | Lazier |
3. Longer Adjectives (2+ syllables)
Use “more” before the adjective.
| Adjective | Comparative Adjective |
| Difficult | More Difficult |
| Beautiful | More Beautiful |
| Handsome | More Handsome |
| Interesting | More Interesting |
Exceptions
- Fun is a short adjective, but its comparative form is “more fun”, not funner.
Negative Comparative Adjectives
To make a negative comparison, use “less” before the adjective. This applies to all adjectives.
| Adjective | Negative Comparative Adjective |
| Hot | Less Hot |
| Crazy | Less Crazy |
| Difficult | Less Difficult |
| Fun | Less Fun |
Practice Comparative Adjectives
Try creating your own sentences using these templates:
- Today is _________ than yesterday.
- She is _________ than her brother.
- Learning English is more/less _________ than learning Spanish.
Practicing these examples will help you compare people, places, objects, and ideas clearly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Comparative Adjectives
Q: What are comparative adjectives?
They are adjectives used to compare two or more nouns, highlighting differences.
Q: How do I form comparative adjectives?
- Short adjectives: add -er (cold → colder).
- Adjectives ending in -y: change -y → -ier (funny → funnier).
- Longer adjectives: use more before the adjective (beautiful → more beautiful).
Q: Are there exceptions?
Yes, for example: fun → more fun.
Q: How do I make a negative comparison?
Use less before the adjective: less hot, less difficult, less fun.
Final Thoughts
Comparative adjectives are essential for expressing differences and making comparisons in English. By practicing the rules, exceptions, and negative forms, you can describe and compare things accurately and naturally.
Don’t forget to check the Grammar Page for more grammar lessons.
