Comparatives: use one comparative pattern
A comparative compares a quality. Short adjectives often take -er, while longer ones use more. Do not combine these two ordinary patterns in one form. Some words are irregular, such as good → better.
| English example | Reasoning |
|---|---|
| This tower is taller than that one. | Tall takes -er; than introduces the other item in the comparison. |
| This route is more interesting. | The longer adjective interesting uses more. |
| A good plan → a better plan | Good has the irregular comparative better. |
One worked example
- This tower is taller than that one.Tall takes -er; than introduces the other item in the comparison.
- This route is more interesting.The longer adjective interesting uses more.
- A good plan → a better planGood has the irregular comparative better.
Watch out: This guideline is not an exact algorithm for every word. Big → bigger and happy → happier change spelling; some two-syllable words allow two forms. Superlatives compare with a whole group.
Goal, prerequisites and card origin
What you will learn: Form common comparative adjectives in English.
What you need first: The meanings of tall, interesting and good.
An original PEAZIT working card. Independent expert review and effectiveness testing have not yet taken place. · v1
British Council — grammar reference ↗Show connections
A comparative compares a quality. Short adjectives often take -er, while longer ones use more. Do not combine these two ordinary patterns in one form. Some words are irregular, such as good → better.