What Are Comparative Adjectives? Definition and Examples

In terms of evaluating two issues, comparative adjectives like higher are higher than different adjectives. For comparisons, they’re simply extra helpful than adjectives of their common kind.

The true query is how one can use comparative adjectives. On this information, we talk about every little thing it’s essential find out about comparative adjectives, from the spelling guidelines, to when to make use of extra, to clearing up the comparative-versus-superlative-adjectives confusion. However first let’s give a extra detailed reply to the query, “What are comparative adjectives?”

What are comparative adjectives?

Comparative adjectives are a kind adjectives take when evaluating two (and solely two) issues, similar to “she is older than him” or “he’s extra critical than them.” For many quick adjectives, we merely add the suffix -er on the finish of the phrase, whereas for longer adjectives we often add the adverb extra instantly earlier than the phrase.

In idea, any adjective can change into a comparative adjective, so long as you comply with the principles. Nevertheless, some phrases have meanings that may’t be in contrast, similar to distinctive—one thing can’t be roughly distinctive than one thing else.

Easy methods to use comparative adjectives in a sentence

The simplest means to make use of comparative adjectives in a sentence is that this:

[Noun A] + [be or another linking verb] + [comparative adjective] + than + [Noun B]

On this development, Noun A has extra of the comparative adjective’s trait than Noun B.

The film was extra boring than the e book.

She appears nicer than her sister.

That is the only means to make use of comparative adjectives, but it surely’s not the one means. As a result of comparative adjectives are nonetheless adjectives, you should utilize them to kind adjective phrases.

Stronger than a bull, Hercules simply accomplished his twelve duties.

You don’t all the time have to say each issues in a comparability. Typically one is already talked about, so your viewers already is aware of what you’re speaking about. On this case, the second factor is assumed or understood, so that you don’t must repeat it.

My laptop computer weighs greater than a brick! I would like a newer one.

If one of many issues is assumed and never talked about, you don’t want the phrase than.

When to make use of extra with comparative adjectives

Earlier we mentioned that “quick” adjectives use the suffix –er and “lengthy” adjectives use the phrase extra earlier than them. That may be a little obscure, so listed below are the precise adjectives that use extra:

• All adjectives with three or extra syllables
• Adjectives with two syllables besides those who finish in –er, –ow, –le, or –y

So if an adjective has two or extra syllables, it is going to most likely use extra. The one exceptions are two-syllable adjectives with the endings –er, –ow, –le, and –y—these use particular spelling guidelines with the suffix –er, defined under.

Additionally be aware that utilizing extra with comparative adjectives is just like utilizing much less. You may add much less earlier than any adjective with out having to alter the spelling.

5 spelling guidelines for forming comparative adjectives

1
One-syllable adjectives

For many adjectives with one syllable, merely add the suffix –er on the finish of the phrase with out altering the spelling.

good -> smarter

sort -> kinder

The exceptions are one-syllable adjectives that finish in –e or a consonant-vowel-consonant, which have completely different guidelines, defined under.

2
One-syllable adjectives ending in –e

If a one-syllable adjective already ends in -e, simply add an -r on the finish. You don’t want so as to add one other e.

massive -> bigger

free -> freer

3
One-syllable adjectives ending in consonant-vowel-consonant

Watch out of one-syllable adjectives with the final three letters in a consonant-vowel-consonant format, like massive or skinny. For these, it’s important to double the final consonant after which add –er.

massive -> larger

skinny -> thinner

4
One- or two-syllable adjectives ending in –y

If an adjective with both one or two syllables ends in a -y, first change the y into an i after which add –er.

dry -> drier

probably -> likelier

5
Two-syllable adjectives ending in –er, –ow, or –le

If an adjective with two syllables ends with -er (like bitter) or –ow (like slim), you may simply add –er to the top with out altering the spelling (bitterer or narrower). If a two-syllable adjective ends in –le, you may simply add –r with out including a second e.

intelligent -> cleverer

shallow -> shallower

easy -> easier

Irregular comparative adjectives

Not all adjectives comply with the principles above. Strive memorizing these irregular comparative adjectives so that you all the time know the correct phrase to make use of.

Customary kind	Comparative kind
good	higher
unhealthy	worse
far	farther or additional
enjoyable	funner or extra enjoyable
good-looking	handsomer
many	extra
well mannered	politer
quiet	quieter
silly	stupider

 

Observe that enjoyable has two choices. There’s a variety of confusion about funner vs. extra enjoyable, however the reality is that each are completely acceptable in English. Nevertheless, most fashionable English audio system desire extra enjoyable.

Comparative vs. superlative adjectives

Comparative adjectives are fairly just like superlative adjectives, with comparatives utilizing the suffix –er or the adverb extra, and superlatives utilizing the suffix –est or the adverb most.

In grammar, comparatives are sometimes paired with superlatives as a result of they’re each utilized in comparisons and comply with lots of the similar spelling guidelines, similar to altering the y to an i on the finish of a one- or two-syllable adjective.

Let’s clear up the confusion between comparative vs. superlative adjectives. The distinction between comparative and superlative adjectives is the variety of issues being in contrast.

• For those who’re evaluating solely two issues, use comparative adjectives.
• For those who’re evaluating three or extra issues, together with every little thing in a gaggle, use superlative adjectives.

Simply take a look at the usage of each comparative and superlative adjectives on this instance:

I’m stronger than my brother, however the strongest particular person within the household is grandma!

Comparative adjectives FAQs

What’s a comparative adjective?

Comparative adjectives are a kind adjectives take when evaluating two (and solely two) issues, similar to “she is older than him” or “he’s extra critical than her.” For many quick adjectives, we merely add the suffix -er on the finish of the phrase, whereas for longer adjectives we often add the adverb extra instantly earlier than the phrase.

What are some examples of comparative adjectives?

Some frequent examples of comparative adjectives, each common and irregular, embody:

• sooner
• smaller
• extra necessary
• extra assured
• higher
• worse

How is a superlative adjective completely different from a comparative adjective?

The distinction between comparative adjectives and superlative adjectives is the variety of issues within the comparability. For evaluating solely two issues, use comparative adjectives. For evaluating three or extra issues, together with every little thing in a gaggle, use superlative adjectives.