Comparative Adjectives

(–er vs. more)

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to compare two things correctly using:

• –er (for short adjectives)

• more (for longer adjectives)

1️⃣ What Are Comparatives?

We use comparative adjectives to compare two things.

Structure:

A is + comparative adjective + than + B

Examples:

• Toronto is bigger than Vernon.

• Winter in Canada is colder than winter in Brazil.

• This book is more interesting than that one.

2️⃣ Rule 1: Short Adjectives (1 syllable)

For most short adjectives, add –er.

AdjectiveComparative

tall - taller

fast - faster

cold - colder

cheap - cheaper

small - smaller

Example sentences:

• A cheetah is faster than a dog.

• January is colder than October in Canada.

• This house is smaller than that one.

3️⃣ Rule 2: Long Adjectives (2+ syllables)

For longer adjectives, use more + adjective.

AdjectiveComparative

beautiful - more beautiful

expensive - more expensive

interesting - more interesting

comfortable - more comfortable

colourful (Canadian spelling) - more colourful

Example sentences:

• This jacket is more expensive than that one.

• The movie was more interesting than the book.

• Autumn is more colourful than winter.

4️⃣ Important Spelling Changes

Some short adjectives change spelling.

➤ Adjectives ending in –y

Change y → i + er

• happy → happier

• easy → easier

• busy → busier

Example:

• Today I am happier than yesterday.

➤ Double the final consonant

If the adjective ends in consonant–vowel–consonant:

• big → bigger

• hot → hotter

• thin → thinner

Example:

• Summer is hotter than spring.

5️⃣ Irregular Comparatives

Some adjectives are irregular.

AdjectiveComparativegoodbetterbadworsefarfarther / further

Examples:

• This restaurant is better than the other one.

• Today is worse than yesterday.

6️⃣ Common Mistakes (Very Important!)

❌ more taller
❌ beautifuller
❌ more better

You must choose ONE form:

✔ taller
✔ more beautiful
✔ better