Comparative adjectives

A1 Beginner

Comparative adjectives are used to describe the differences between two people, places, or things. They indicate which of the two has more or less of a specific quality.

Overview

Comparative adjectives allow for the direct comparison of two nouns. In English, the form of the adjective changes based on its syllable count. The word than is typically used after the comparative adjective to introduce the second item being compared.

Form

Adjective + -er / more + Adjective + than

For short adjectives (one syllable), add -er. For long adjectives (two or more syllables), use more before the adjective. Adjectives ending in -y change to -ier.

Spelling and Structure Rules

Irregular forms do not follow these rules. Common examples include good (better) and bad (worse).

Adjective Type	Rule	Example
1 syllable	Add -er	old → older
1 syllable (CVC)	Double final consonant + -er	big → bigger
2+ syllables	Use 'more'	expensive → more expensive
Ends in -y	Change -y to -ier	happy → happier

Examples

Common mistakes

This phone is more cheap than that one.
This phone is cheaper than that one.
One-syllable adjectives must use the -er suffix, not 'more'.
She is more taller than her brother.
She is taller than her brother.
Do not use 'more' and '-er' together for the same adjective.

Practice

Complete the sentence: A plane is _______ (fast) than a train.
Show answer
faster
Answer:faster
Why:Fast is a one-syllable adjective, so we add -er to form the comparative.
Complete the sentence: Gold is _______ (expensive) than silver.
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more expensive
Answer:more expensive
Why:Expensive has three syllables, so we use 'more' before the adjective.
Complete the sentence: I think Italian food is _______ (good) than fast food.
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better
Answer:better
Why:Good is an irregular adjective; its comparative form is 'better'.