A1/A2 English - Comparatives
In this lesson, we will look at comparing 2 nouns using a comparative adjective. Discover essential A1/A2 English grammar principles on this page, tailored for beginners seeking a solid foundation in language learning
Comparatives
The type of comparative we use depends on the number of syllables in the word.
What is a syllable?
A syllable is a single sound within a word, putting syllables together can create a whole word. For example:
Pi-zza→ 2 syllables
in-ter-es-ting → 4 syllables
run → 1 syllable
Single syllable Adjectives
To make a comparative, we add an -er to the end of the adjective.
New → newer → This model is newer than that model
Tall → taller → He is taller than Paul
Big → Bigger → An elephant is bigger than a mouse
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Other info
When an adjective already ends in -e, we just add -r to the end:
large → larger → The man is larger than his brother.
pale → paler → They are paler than yesterday.
Adjectives with 2+ syllables
If an adjective has 2 syllables only and also ends in a ‘y’, then we remove the ‘y’ and add -ier.
Sleepy → Sleepier → I am sleepier than earlier.
happy → happier → I am happier than ever!
angry → angrier → I am angrier than last time!
For all other adjectives with 2+ syllables, we add more before the adjective.
Interesting → more interesting → This class is more interesting that that one
stressful → more stressful → This project is more stressful than ever
exciting → more exciting → That ride was more exciting than that one.
Irregular Adjectives
good, bad and far, little and many/much have irregular forms:
good → better → I am better than him.
bad → worse → He is worse than me.
many/much → more → There is more in the bottle than the cup
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