Welcome to Comparing Things!
In this chapter, we are going to learn how to describe the differences between two things or two people. This is a super useful skill because we compare things every day! Whether you are choosing which phone is better, which movie is more exciting, or which runner is faster, you are using comparatives.
By the end of these notes, you will know exactly how to change words to make comparisons and how to build perfect sentences to show contrast.
1. What is a Comparative?
We use comparative adjectives to compare two people, animals, or things.
The "Balance Scale" Analogy:
Think of a comparative sentence like a balance scale. You have one thing on the left and another on the right. The comparative word tells us which side is "more" of something.
Example: A lion is stronger than a cat.
Key Takeaway:
Comparatives are only for comparing two things. If you have three or more, we use a different rule (superlatives), which we will learn later!
2. How to Build a Comparative Word
Don't worry if this seems tricky at first! There is a simple trick called the "Clap Test" to help you decide which rule to use. Every time you say a word, clap for every "beat" (syllable) you hear.
Rule A: Short Words (1 Clap)
If the word is short (one syllable), just add -er to the end.
• Tall (1 clap) → Taller
• Fast (1 clap) → Faster
• Small (1 clap) → Smaller
Spelling Tip: If a short word ends in "Consonant-Vowel-Consonant" (like big or hot), double the last letter before adding -er!
• Big → Bigger
• Hot → Hotter
Rule B: Words Ending in -Y
If a word has two syllables but ends in -y, change the -y to an -i and add -er.
• Happy → Happier
• Funny → Funnier
• Easy → Easier
Rule C: Long Words (2+ Claps)
If the word is long and does not end in -y, do not add -er. Instead, put the word more in front of it.
• Expensive (3 claps) → More expensive
• Beautiful (3 claps) → More beautiful
• Exciting (3 claps) → More exciting
Quick Review: The Clap Test
• 1 Clap? Add -er.
• Ends in -y? Change to -ier.
• 2+ Claps? Use more.
3. Using "Than" in a Sentence
To finish your comparison, you almost always need the word than. It connects the two things you are comparing.
The Sentence Formula:
\( \text{Thing A} + \text{is/are} + \text{Comparative Adjective} + \text{than} + \text{Thing B} \)
Examples:
• Basketball is more popular than tennis in our school.
• My brother is taller than me.
• Health is more important than money.
Did You Know?
The word than is a conjunction used for comparison. Many students accidentally write "then" (which is used for time). Remember: Than for comparison, Then for time!
4. The Rule-Breakers (Irregular Adjectives)
Some words are "rebels"—they don't follow the -er or "more" rules. You just have to memorize these three common ones:
1. Good → Better (Never say "gooder"!)
2. Bad → Worse (Never say "badder"!)
3. Far → Farther (or Further)
Example: I am better at English than I was last year.
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
The "Double Comparison" Trap:
Never use both "-er" and "more" at the same time. This is like wearing two pairs of sunglasses!
• Wrong: She is more taller than her sister.
• Right: She is taller than her sister.
Forgetting "Than":
If you name both things, you must use than.
• Wrong: Dogs are smarter cats.
• Right: Dogs are smarter than cats.
6. Summary and Quick Check
Key Takeaways:
• Use comparatives to look at two items.
• Short words get -er; long words get more.
• Good becomes better; bad becomes worse.
• Always use than to connect the two items being compared.
Quick Review Quiz (Mental Check):
Can you change these words into comparatives?
1. Fast → ________
2. Heavy → ________
3. Good → ________
4. Difficult → ________
(Answers: 1. Faster, 2. Heavier, 3. Better, 4. More difficult)