The document discusses how to form comparisons in English using comparative adjectives and explains the rules for using "-er" versus "more" depending on whether the adjective is one or more syllables. It also covers irregular comparatives that must be memorized like "good" and "bad" as well as using "less than" with adjectives that do not change form. Exceptions to the basic rules are also noted.

1. Making
Compariso
ns
in English

2. We often use comparisons because we
want to talk about the differences
between people, places, and things.
Here is an example:
3. Janet’s house is bigger
than Tom’s.
4. Tom’s house is a lot
smaller than Janet’s.
3. Janet’s house is fancier
and more elaborate
than Tom’s house.

3. The comparative forms from the
previous example are:
-bigger than
-smaller than
-fancier than
-more elaborate than
So . . . When do we use “–er”
and when do we use “more?”

4. How many syllables are the words: “ big” and “ small ?”
1
For 1-syllable adjectives,
JUST add “er” to the end.
Example: Tom is smarter than Joe.
*If the 1-syllable adjective ends with the letter “e,”
JUST add “r” to the end.
Examples: nicer wiser
**If the 1-syllable adjective has a C-V-C pattern,
Double the consonant and add “er .”
Examples: San Francisco is wetter than San
Diego.

5. For adjectives that end with the letter “y,”
DROP the “y” and add “ier .”
Examples:
Adjective = fancy Janet’s house is fancier than
Tom’s.
Adjective = pretty Janet’s house is prettier than
Tom’s.
Adjective = friendly Alison is friendlier than
Susan.

6. How many syllables is the word: elaborate ? 4
(more than 1)
For adjectives that are 2 or more syllables,
use “ more” + the adjective to make the
comparative form.
Examples:
Adjective = elaborate
Janet’s house is more elaborate than Tom’s.
Adjective = comfortable
This chair is more comfortable than that chair.

7. Irregular comparatives:
You MUST memorize these!
Examples:
good = better than far = farther (further) than
bad = worse than
Adjective = good
Sara’s grades are better than Michael’s.

8. Grammar Rule:
Never use both MORE and “ER!”
Incorrect:
Lisa’s job is more better than
mine.
Correct:
Lisa’s job is better than mine.

9. Using “less than”
Sometimes we compare two things by using “less
than.”
To do this, use LESS + adjective + THAN
When using “less than,” the adjective DOES NOT CHANGE
Examples:
He is LESS energetic than my other teacher.
This class is LESS crowded than the other one.
New York City is LESS polluted than Los Angeles.

10. ADJECTIVE COMPARATIVE
Rule . . .
1. Adjectives with one old older than
syllable: big bigger than
add “er” cheap cheaper than
2. Adjectives that end friendly friendlier than
in “Y”: busy busier than
drop “Y”, add “ier” easy easier than
3. Adjectives with two or polite more polite than
more syllables: beautiful more beautiful than
use “more” important more important than
4. Irregular forms: good better than
(memorize) bad worse than
far farther/further than
5. Less Than quiet less quiet than
crowded less crowded than

11. There are a few exceptions with comparative
grammar . . .
These are adjectives that don’t follow the basic
rules or that have more than one acceptable
form. To learn these, you must memorize them.
•“fun” We say: more fun funner
2. “simple” We say: more simple OR
simpler
3. “narrow” We say: more narrow
OR narrower
4. “quiet” We say: more quiet OR quieter

12. Try these examples. Use the comparative form.
4. I think Social Studies is _________________
(interesting) than Math.
2. San Diego is a _____________ (pretty) city than
L.A.
3. A dog is usually _______________ (friendly) than
a cat.
4. It is _____________ (hot) today than it was
yesterday.
5. My cousin is ______________ (rich) than I am.

13. For Additional Explanation and Practice, go to
these websites:
1. Comparative / Superlative Explanation and
Quizzes:
http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/330/grammar/regcom.
htm
2. Comparatives Challenge Board Game:
http://www.quia.com/cb/283937.html
If you do these exercises,