Comparative adjectives show how two people, things, or groups differ in a quality. You use them when you want to say that one thing has more, less, or the same amount of an adjective than another. This module focuses on forming comparative adjectives and using them correctly in sentences.

The most common structure is: Subject + verb + comparative adjective + than + comparison target. Use “than” to introduce what you are comparing to. The comparison target can be a noun, pronoun, or a full clause when needed.

Many one-syllable adjectives form the comparative by adding -er. If the adjective ends in silent -e, add -r. If it ends in a single vowel plus a single consonant, often double the final consonant before -er.

Rule	Example
Add -er to most one-syllable adjectives	This bag is lighter than that one.
If the adjective ends in silent -e, add -r	Your room is quieter than mine.
If vowel + consonant at the end, often double the consonant	Today is hotter than yesterday.

Two-syllable adjectives can take -er or use more, depending on spelling and common usage. Adjectives ending in -y usually change -y to -i and add -er. Many others are more natural with more, especially those not ending in -y.

Rule	Example
Adjectives ending in -y: change -y to -i + -er	This test is easier than the last one.
Many other two-syllable adjectives use more	This solution is more useful than the first.
Some two-syllable adjectives can take either form depending on style	She is quieter than her brother.

Most adjectives with three or more syllables form the comparative with more. This keeps the sentence clear and avoids awkward long endings. The pattern is “more + adjective + than.”

Rule	Example
Use more with most adjectives of three or more syllables	This explanation is more interesting than the old one.
Do not add -er to long adjectives in standard English	Her answer is more reasonable than his.

Some common adjectives have irregular comparative forms that do not follow -er or more. These forms are frequent in everyday English, so it is important to learn them as fixed patterns. They are used in the same sentence structure with “than.”

Word/Phrase	Definition	Example
good → better	Higher quality	This version is better than the last.
bad → worse	Lower quality	The traffic is worse than usual.
far → farther	Greater physical distance	The station is farther than I thought.
far → further	Greater distance or additional degree	We need further information than this.
little → less	Smaller amount or degree	I have less time than you.
many or much → more	Larger amount or number	She has more experience than me.

To compare in the opposite direction, use less + adjective + than. To say two things are equal in a quality, use as + adjective + as. These patterns work with almost any adjective and avoid choosing between -er and more.

Rule	Example
Use less + adjective + than for a lower degree	This route is less dangerous than the other.
Use as + adjective + as for equality	My phone is as fast as yours.
Use not as or not so to show inequality	This chair is not as comfortable as that one.

After “than,” you can use a noun, an object pronoun, or a clause with a subject and verb. In more formal writing, subject pronouns are used when the meaning is “than I am,” even if the verb is omitted. Choose the form that matches your context and avoids ambiguity.

Rule	Example
Use a noun phrase after than when the target is clear	This cafe is cheaper than the one downtown.
Use a clause when you need to show the action being compared	She works faster than I do.
Formal option: subject pronoun when the implied verb is am or are	He is taller than I.

You can strengthen or soften a comparative with adverbs like much, far, a lot, a little, and slightly. Use these before the comparative form: much + -er, much more + adjective, or a little less + adjective. Avoid using very with comparatives in standard English.

Rule	Example
Strengthen with much, far, a lot before the comparative	This problem is much harder than the last one.
Soften with a little, slightly before the comparative	The new design is slightly cleaner than the old one.
Avoid very + comparative in standard usage	Use much better, not very better.

Use comparatives to describe change over time or increasing degree with parallel structures. “Comparative and comparative” shows gradual change. “The more…, the more…” shows that one change causes or relates to another.

Rule	Example
Use comparative + and + comparative for ongoing change	The days are getting shorter and shorter.
Use the more…, the more… for linked comparisons	The more you practice, the better you get.

You can form comparatives with -er, more, less, or as…as depending on the adjective and meaning. Use “than” to introduce what you compare to, and add modifiers like much or slightly when you want to adjust strength. With irregular forms and common patterns, you can compare clearly in both speaking and writing.