Comparative Forms
In English, we use adjectives and adverbs to compare objects, places, and people with certain
rules depending on the type of adjective or adverb that is being used to make the comparison.
1. When we use one-syllable adjectives or adverbs to compare, “er” is added at the end of the adjective
or adverb followed by the word than. When the adjective ends in a consonant preceded by a single vowel, the
final consonant is duplicated.
big |
bigger than |
New York is bigger than Miami. |
fast |
faster than |
My car drives faster than yours. |
fat |
fatter than |
Michael is fatter than George. |
2. When we make comparisons using two-syllable adjectives or adverbs that end in y, the y is changed into ier
followed by the word than.
crazy |
crazier than |
He is crazier than his brother. |
lazy |
lazier than |
Peter is lazier than Mike. |
busy |
busier than |
My father is busier than yours. |
3. When making a comparison using three-syllable adjectives or adverbs the word “more” precedes them. We also
have to add the word than after the adjective or adverb.
beautiful |
more beautiful than |
She is more beautiful than her sister. |
expensive |
more expensive than |
Gold is more expensive than silver. |
slowly |
more slowly than |
He walks more slowly than his wife. |