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Comparative Adjective definition, usages and examples

Comparative Adjective definition, usages and examples

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05/22/2023

Comparative adjectives are used to compare the differences in quality or quantity between two or more nouns. They indicate that one noun has a higher or lower degree of a particular characteristic in comparison to another.

Here are some key points about comparative adjectives:

  1. Definition: Comparative adjectives modify nouns by indicating a higher or lower degree of a quality when comparing two or more things.

  2. Formation: Most comparative adjectives are formed by adding "-er" to the base adjective for one-syllable adjectives, or by using "more" before the adjective for adjectives with two or more syllables.

    • Example:
      • "tall" (one syllable) becomes "taller,"
      • "beautiful" (two syllables) becomes "more beautiful."
  3. Two-Item Comparison: Comparative adjectives are used when comparing two things or individuals.

    • Example:
      • "This book is longer than that book,"
      • "She is happier than her sister."
  4. Comparative Marker "Than": The word "than" is used to connect the two nouns being compared.

    • Example:
      • "She is taller than her friend,"
      • "He runs faster than his brother."
  5. Degree of Comparison: Comparative adjectives indicate a higher or lower degree of a particular quality.

    • Example:
      • "The weather is colder today than yesterday,"
      • "He is more talented than his peers."
  6. Irregular Forms: Some adjectives have irregular comparative forms that do not follow the standard "-er" or "more" pattern.

    • Example:
      • "good" becomes "better,"
      • "bad" becomes "worse,"
      • "far" becomes "farther" or "further."
      • Good: "She is better at math than her classmates."
      • Bad: "This weather is worse than yesterday."
      • Far: "The second destination is farther than the first one."
      • Little: "He has less money than his friend."
      • Many/Much: "I have more books than she does."
      • Well: "He sings better than anyone else."
      • Badly: "She dances worse than her sister."
      • Far: "He threw the ball farther than the other player."
      • Little: "She has less time to complete the task."
      • Well: "He plays the guitar better than I do."
  7. Superlative Degree: Comparative adjectives can also be used to form superlative degree, indicating the highest or lowest degree of a quality among three or more things.

    • Example:
      • "She is the tallest girl in the class,"
      • "This is the most interesting book I've read."
  8. Agreement: Comparative adjectives do not change based on the number or gender of the noun they modify.

    • Example:
      • "The taller trees,"
      • "The faster cars."

 

Comparative adjectives allow us to make comparisons and express the relative degree of a quality between two or more things. By using them correctly, you can convey the differences in characteristics and create more nuanced descriptions in your writing or speech.

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