Hi, let's find out how we make comparisons in English.
Let's look at some of the rules.
Using adjectives.
We can use comparative adjectives to compare two things.
Let's look at some examples.
Clear.
Bigger.
Simpler.
For example, Jones argument was clearer than long.
When we want to compare three or more things, we could use supportive adjectives.
Here are some examples.
Clearest.
Biggest. Simplest.
For example, Jones argument was the clearest of all three.
There are different forms of comparative and supportive adjectives.
For one syllable adjectives, such as short, long, and fast, we form comparatives by adding er.
Short becomes shorter, long becomes longer, and fast becomes faster.
To form superlatives, we add the.
And est.
For two syllable adjectives that end in y.
We form comparatives by changing the end to i-e-r.
For example, happier, easier, and busier.
To form superlatives, we add the.
And change the end to i-e-s-t.
For other two syllable adjectives ending in an unstrethed vowel, such as simple,
quiet, and clever, we form comparatives by changing the end to er.
To form superlatives, we add the.
And change the end to est.
For adjectives of three or more syllables such as significant, meaningful, and short,
significant, meaningful, and practical, we form comparatives by adding more before the adjectives.
To form superlatives, we add the most before the adjectives.
For irregular adjectives, such as good, bad, and little, we form comparatives by changing their form.
To form superlatives, we add the.
And change their form.
To form superlatives, we add the.
And change their form.
To form superlatives, we add the.
And change their form.
To form comparative sentences, the word then should be used with the comparative.
You can also use as with an adjective to express similarities or differences.
Let's look at some examples.
Running is almost as enjoyable as swimming.
The results were as conclusive as in previous studies.
Wong's argument was not as convincing as Chan's.
Another way to make comparisons is to use adverbs.
We can use comparative or suppoative adverbs to compare actions or adjectives.
There are different forms of comparative and suppoative adverbs.
Adverbs are more effective than suppoative adverbs.
For most adverbs, add more in front of the adverb to form comparatives.
And add the most in front of the adverb to form superlatives.
For example, effective becomes more effectively or the most effectively.
An example.
Jones justified his argument more effectively than right.
You may vary the strength of comparison by using different words, such as.
A lot, much, slightly, far more, or far less.
You can also use discourse markers to make comparisons.
Discourse markers are words which can be used to connect sentences and show comparison.
Here is one example.
While Jones makes a strong argument, Brown includes more evidence to support his ideas.
The word, while, is a discourse marker.
Let's practice.