Using Comparative Adjectives

So, how can we compare two things? Or, in this case specifically, how can you compare two animals?

Let's start with the adjective small:

• The kitten is smaller than the bear.

Let's try the adjective dangerous.

• The bear is more dangerous than the kitten.

• Did you notice any differences in the structure of the sentences?

Let's look at the rules for forming comparatives.

1. For short (one-syllable) adjectives, add er to the adjective.
   Note that if the adjective ends in an e, just add r.

Here are some examples:

• cute + r = cuter
• big + er = bigger
• large + r = larger

2. For adjectives that end in a consonant + y, change the y to an i and add er.

Here are some examples:

• scary - y + i + er = scarier
• heavy - y + i + er = heavier
• furry - y + i + er = furrier

3. For adjectives that are two or more syllables, add more before the adjective.

Here are some examples:

• more dangerous
• more intelligent
• more beautiful

4. When you form the sentence about the two things, you must also add the word than to complete the comparison.

Here are some examples:

• The bear is bigger than the kitten.
• The bear is heavier than the kitten.
• The bear is more dangerous than the kitten.

5. Don't forget, there are always irregular words.

Here are some examples of irregular adjectives that don't follow the above rules:

• good → better
• bad → worse
• far → farther

Let's watch Comparatives grammar animation - Mosaic, from OUPSpain, to review these rules:

 

Ready to practice these rules in the Got It? section? Click NEXT to continue.