COMPARATIVES

Comparative forms with adjectives and adverbs

Adjectives and adverbs have two things in common. They modify a word, and they can show a degree of comparison. Adjectives modify a noun, or a pronoun and adverbs modify verbs or adjectives. You are going to learn how to compare two things, two people or two situations using these words.

Comparisons with adjectives

SPELLING RULES

If they are “short adjectives” (one syllable adjectives), you add “-er” at the end.

There are some rules to compare adjectives. It is based on the way adjectives are pronounced.

One-syllable adjectives

Look at these adjectives, add the suffix –er at the end of them. In case the adjective ends in e, you add the r.

+ INFO

Take a look at this chart:

Notice, these adjectives are similar to the one-syllable ones. But most of them are three-letter words (consonant, vowel, consonant) or their last three letters are consonant, vowel, and consonant. When the adjectives end in a consonant, the last consonant is repeated, and you add –er to the adjective.

+ INFO

Two syllable adjectives ending in –y

When the adjectives end in -y change the -y to an –i and add the suffix –er.

+ INFO

Two-Syllable adjectives

If the adjective doesn’t follow any of the previous rules, write the word more before the adjective. In this case, the adjective does not change.

+ INFO

comparatives of inferiority

The previous examples are comparatives to show superiority. There are also comparatives of inferiority. They don’t follow a rule. In this case, you only add the word less before the adjective.

Check these examples: David is less careful than Mario. A watch is less expensive than a cell phone Angie is less sad than yesterday.

Examples: A BMW is faster than a Tsuru. Amazon River is longer than Nile River. Cats are nicer than dogs. A pencil is cheaper than a notebook.

Examples: Mr. Smith is fatter than Mr. Jones. Summer is hotter than spring. Elephants are bigger than lions.

Note: One syllable adjectives with three letters ending in –w don’t take the previous rule. So, just add the suffix –er after the –w new – newer. NOT newwer

Examples: Sebastián is crazier than Adán. Giselle is happier than Elizabeth. A piano is heavier than a guitar. A puppy is tinier than a dog.