What are Comparative Adjectives?
Comparative adjectives are words used to compare two people, things, or ideas. They show that one has more or less of a quality than the other. For example, 'taller', 'more interesting', or 'better'.
Comparative adjectives are used to compare two items. They show that one item has more or less of a quality. Form: short adjectives add -er (tall → taller); long adjectives add 'more' (beautiful → more beautiful).
- •tall → taller
- •fast → faster
- •big → bigger (double last letter)
- •beautiful → more beautiful
- •interesting → more interesting
- •expensive → more expensive
Step-by-step worked examples
Compare: John is 180 cm, Sarah is 165 cm.
Adjective: tall Sarah is shorter than John. Or: John is taller than Sarah.
Compare two books: Book A is 300 pages, Book B is 200 pages.
Adjective: long Book A is longer than Book B. Form: long + er = longer
Compare two movies: Movie A is exciting, Movie B is boring.
Adjective: exciting (long, 3+ syllables) Movie A is more exciting than Movie B. Form: more + adjective
Flashcards
Quick quiz
Q1.Which is the correct comparative form of 'fast'?
Q2.How do you form a comparative for 'interesting'?
Q3.What is the comparative of 'good'?
Q4.'Sarah is ___ than Maria.' (tall)
The full card deck, worked steps and AI-tutor support for “What are Comparative Adjectives?” are in Notek — study by hand before your exam.
Common mistakes
She is more taller than her sister. — Correct: She is taller than her sister. (don't mix -er and 'more')
This book is more long. — Correct: This book is longer. (long is short, use -er)
He is more fast. — Correct: He is faster. (fast is short, use -er)
Comparatives compare three things. — Correct: Comparatives compare two things; superlatives compare three or more.
FAQ
How many syllables in a short adjective?
Typically 1–2 syllables. Examples: big, fast, tall, small, hot.
What is the pattern for comparatives with short adjectives ending in -y?
Change -y to -i, then add -er: happy → happier, busy → busier.
Do all comparatives end in -er?
No. Long adjectives use 'more' instead. Some are irregular: good → better.
Comparative vs. superlative?
Comparative = two items (taller); Superlative = three+ items (tallest).