Comparative Adjectives Definition, Forms, Types, Usage, and Examples

Comparative adjectives are essential tools in English grammar. They enable us to compare two things, helping us to express the differences or similarities between them. In this guide, we’ll explore the meaning, definition, usage, and examples of comparative adjectives and learn how to use them effectively.

Table of Contents

1. What Are Comparative Adjectives?
2. Definition of Comparative Adjectives
3. How to Use Comparative Adjectives in Sentences
4. Rules for Forming Comparative Adjectives
5. Irregular Comparative Adjectives
6. Comparative vs. Superlative Adjectives
7. Practice Questions
8. Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Comparative Adjectives?

Comparative adjectives are used to compare two things or people. These adjectives highlight how one thing differs from another in terms of a specific quality or trait.

Examples:

• • • The train is faster than the bus.
    • My dog is friendlier than my neighbour’s cat.

Definition of Comparative Adjectives

A comparative adjective is a word that modifies a noun or pronoun by showing a difference in quality, quantity, or degree when comparing two things.

According to grammar rules:

• • Short adjectives usually add -er to the end of the word.
  • Long adjectives use more before the word.

How to Use Comparative Adjectives in Sentences

The most common sentence structure for using comparative adjectives is:

[Noun A] + [verb] + [comparative adjective] + than + [Noun B]

Examples:

• • The mountain is taller than the hill.
  • She is more confident than her classmates.

Other Sentence Structures:

1. Comparative adjectives can appear in phrases:

• • Stronger than an ox, he carried the heavy load effortlessly.

2. Implicit Comparisons (where the second thing is understood):

• • This soup tastes better! (compared to another soup).

3. Without “than” (when the context makes the comparison clear):

• • My car is faster.

Rules for Forming Comparative Adjectives

Here are some simple rules to help you form comparative adjectives correctly:

1. One-Syllable Adjectives

Add -er to the end of the adjective.

Example:

• • Tall → Taller
  • Fast → Faster

2. One-syllable adjectives Ending in -e

Just add -r to the end.

Examples:

• • Large → Larger
  • Cute → Cuter

3. One-syllable adjectives with Consonant-Vowel-Consonant

Double the last consonant and add -er.

Examples:

• • Big → Bigger
  • Thin → Thinner

4. Two-Syllable Adjectives Ending in -y

Change the y to i and add -er.

Examples:

• • Happy → Happier
  • Easy → Easier

5. Adjectives with Two or More Syllables

Use more before the adjective.

Examples:

• • Beautiful → More beautiful
  • Interesting → More interesting

6. Use “Less” for Negative Comparisons

For any adjective, you can use less to make a negative comparison.

Examples:

• • He is less confident than his brother.
  • This test was less challenging than the previous one.

Irregular Comparative Adjectives

Some adjectives do not follow the regular rules. These are called irregular comparative adjectives.

Examples: 

• • • This book is better than the one I read last week.
    • The weather is getting worse.

Comparative vs. Superlative Adjectives

It’s easy to confuse comparative adjectives with superlative adjectives. Here’s how they differ:

Practice Questions

Fill in the blanks with the correct comparative adjective:

1. This house is _______ than the one next door. (big)

2. She runs _______ than her brother. (fast)

3. That problem is _______ to solve than this one. (easy)

4. My new phone is _______ than my old one. (good)

5. He is _______ in math than I am. (bad)

Answers to Practice Questions

1. This house is bigger than the one next door.

2. She runs faster than her brother.

3. That problem is easier to solve than this one.

4. My new phone is better than my old one.

5. He is worse in math than I am.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What are comparative adjectives?
Comparative adjectives are used to compare two things, showing how one is different in quality, quantity, or degree from the other.

Q2: How do you form a comparative adjective?
For short adjectives, add -er. For longer adjectives, use more before the word.

Q3: What are irregular comparative adjectives?
Irregular comparative adjectives don’t follow standard rules. Examples include good → better and bad → worse.