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Comparatives
Use the comparative form to show the difference between two objects. Look at the two squares.
The blue square is smaller than the red square.
The red square is bigger than the blue square.
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Smaller than and bigger than are comparatives.
Comparatives – Structure and Spelling
One Syllable Adjectives
We usually form the comparative forms of a one-syllable adjective by adding –er for the comparative form.
There are some exceptions. The table below explains the exception.
| If the adjective ends in: consonant + -y |
change the -y to an –i add er |
dry>drier |
| If the adjective ends in: consonant + -e |
remove the –e add er |
late>later |
| If the adjective ends in: consonant + vowel + consonant |
double the last letter add er |
hot>hotter |
Exception: adjectives ending in -l are regular, except: cruel > crueller
Two Syllable Adjectives
We usually form the comparative forms of a two-syllable adjective by adding more: peaceful> more peaceful
There are some exceptions. The table below explains the exception.
| If the adjective ends in: consonant + -y |
change the -y to an –i add er |
happy>happier |
| If the adjectives ends in –er, -le, or –ow | add er | little>littler |
Three or More Syllable Adjectives
For adjectives with three syllables or more, you form the comparative with more: beautiful> more beautiful.
Irregular Forms
| Adjective | Comparative |
| Good | Better |
| Bad | Worse |
| Far | Farther |
| Little | Less |
| Many | More |
| Good | Better |
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