Comparatives: Short and Long Adjectives
Comparatives
Comparing two things.
Short Adjectives (add -er)
For short adjectives (usually 1 syllable), we add -er to compare two things.
- Fast →
faster - Tall →
taller - Small →
smaller
Long Adjectives (use "more")
For long adjectives (usually 2+ syllables), we use more to compare two things.
- Expensive →
more expensive - Beautiful →
more beautiful - Interesting →
more interesting
Spelling Rules & Irregular
Pay attention to spelling and a few words that change completely.
- Ends in -y:
happy→happier(y changes to i) - CVC (Consonant-Vowel-Consonant):
big→bigger(double the last letter) - Irregular:
good→better - Irregular:
bad→worse
Comparing Shopping Places
When deciding where to shop, many people compare the local market to the big shopping mall. The mall is often more convenient because it has everything in one place, but it's also usually more crowded and more expensive. The local market is smaller and may have fresher produce, and it's almost always cheaper than the mall.
For me, the local market is better for daily food. However, the mall is a better place to go for electronics or clothes because it has a wider selection. It really depends on what you need. If you want a cheaper option, the market is your answer, but if you want a more comfortable experience, the mall is probably nicer.
Summary Table
| Adjective Type | Comparative (Compares 2) |
|---|---|
| Short (e.g., cold) | colder (add -er) |
| Long (e.g., modern) | more modern |
| Irregular (e.g., good) | better |
| Irregular (e.g., bad) | worse |
Example Conversations
| Short Adjective Conversation | |
|---|---|
| A: | "Is the train faster than the bus?" |
| B: | "Yes, it's much faster." |
| Long Adjective Conversation | |
| A: | "Wow, this restaurant is more expensive than I thought." |
| B: | "I know, it's more popular than the one we visited last week." |
Test Your Knowledge!
Choose the correct comparative form.
