What is a comparative adjective? (with Examples and Usage)
Comparative adjectives in English grammar help us compare two people, places, or things. These forms are essential for schoolwork, exams, and everyday English. Knowing comparative adjectives makes your writing and speaking clearer, especially for answering exam questions or daily conversations.
| Adjective | Comparative | Superlative | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| fast | faster | fastest | My bike is faster than yours. |
| big | bigger | biggest | This bag is bigger than that one. |
| happy | happier | happiest | She looks happier today. |
| expensive | more expensive | most expensive | This phone is more expensive than mine. |
| good | better | best | Her grades are better than last year. |
| bad | worse | worst | This exam was worse than the previous one. |
How to Form Comparative Adjectives
- Add "-er" to most one-syllable adjectives (e.g., tall → taller).
- Use "-ier" for adjectives ending in -y (e.g., easy → easier).
- Add "more" before most adjectives with two or more syllables (e.g., careful → more careful).
- Change the word completely for irregular adjectives (e.g., good → better, bad → worse).
Make sure never to use both "-er" and "more" together. Say "easier" or "more easy", but not "more easier".
Difference Between Comparative and Superlative Adjectives
| Type | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Comparative | Compares two things | She is taller than me. |
| Superlative | Compares more than two things | He is the tallest in the class. |
Examples of Comparative Adjectives in Sentences
- The blue car is faster than the red one.
- January is colder than March.
- This book is more interesting than that one.
- Lisa is younger than her brother.
- This puzzle is easier than yesterday’s.
- He speaks English better than I do.
- My house is bigger than yours.
- Tom is more careful than Sam.
- Apples are less expensive than mangoes.
- Today was worse than yesterday.
Irregular Comparative Adjectives
| Adjective | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|---|---|
| good | better | best |
| bad | worse | worst |
| far | farther/further | farthest/furthest |
| little | less | least |
| much/many | more | most |
Using Comparative Adjectives in Real Life
Comparative adjectives often appear in exam questions and real conversations. At Vedantu, we recommend using them to describe or compare classmates, favorite movies, or sports results. Always use "than" after the comparative form for direct comparison, like "smarter than" or "more popular than." This clear structure helps in both written answers and speaking tasks.
Common Student Mistakes with Comparative Adjectives
- Don’t use both "-er" and "more" together (wrong: more easier; correct: easier or more easy).
- Remember to use "than" when comparing two things.
- Some adjectives do not take comparative forms (e.g., "unique").
- Some two-syllable adjectives allow both forms: "cleverer" or "more clever."
Summary: Comparative Adjectives in English Grammar
Comparative adjectives compare two nouns to show difference or similarity in quality or amount. They are formed by adding "-er" or using "more" before the adjective. Some are irregular (like "better," "worse"). Mastering them helps students in exams, school writing, and everyday English. For more practice, check other Vedantu English grammar resources and exercises to build real confidence.
Practice Comparative and Superlative Adjectives with Worksheets
Explore Types of Adjectives
Learn More About Degrees of Comparison
FAQs on Comparative Adjectives: Rules, List & Examples
1. What is a comparative adjective and what are some examples?
A comparative adjective describes a noun by comparing it to another noun, showing a difference in degree or quality. It's used to show which of two things has *more* or *less* of a particular quality. Examples include: taller, shorter, faster, slower, better, worse, more beautiful, less expensive.
2. How do you form comparative adjectives?
The formation of comparative adjectives depends on the length of the adjective. For monosyllabic adjectives (one syllable), usually add -er (e.g., big → bigger). For adjectives with two or more syllables, use more before the adjective (e.g., beautiful → more beautiful). There are also some irregular comparative adjectives that follow no set rule (e.g., good → better, bad → worse).
3. What is the difference between comparative and superlative adjectives?
Comparative adjectives compare two things, while superlative adjectives compare three or more things, showing the highest or lowest degree. For example, 'taller' is comparative (comparing two heights), while 'tallest' is superlative (comparing three or more heights).
4. What are some irregular comparative adjectives?
Some adjectives have irregular comparative forms. Common examples include: good (better), bad (worse), little (less), much/many (more), far (farther/further).
5. How do you use comparative adjectives in sentences?
Comparative adjectives are typically followed by the word than to indicate the comparison. For example: "My car is faster than yours." They can also be used without 'than' in certain contexts where the comparison is implied.
6. What are some common mistakes to avoid when using comparative adjectives?
Avoid using both -er and more together (e.g., don't say "more taller"). Also, ensure that the comparison is logical and grammatically correct. Double-check for irregular forms.
7. Can you give 10 sentences using comparative adjectives?
- This cake is sweeter than the last one.
- He is smarter than his brother.
- The new phone is more expensive than the old one.
- This book is more interesting than that one.
- She is taller than her friend.
- This road is longer than that one.
- He runs faster than she does.
- This is a better solution.
- The weather today is worse than yesterday.
- The movie was more exciting than I expected.
8. What is the rule for comparing adjectives that end in 'y'?
For adjectives ending in a consonant followed by 'y', change the 'y' to 'i' before adding '-er' or '-est'. For example: happy becomes happier (comparative) and happiest (superlative).
9. When do we use 'farther' versus 'further'?
While often used interchangeably, 'farther' generally refers to physical distance, while 'further' refers to metaphorical distance or extent. For example: "He threw the ball farther than anyone else." "We need to discuss this further."
10. Are all adjectives capable of having comparative and superlative forms?
No. Some adjectives are considered absolute and do not have comparative or superlative forms. Examples include unique, perfect, dead, and pregnant. These words already describe a state that cannot be exceeded in degree.
11. How do I compare two adjectives describing the same noun?
Use 'and' to connect the comparative adjectives. For example: "He is taller and stronger than his brother."
12. Can comparative adjectives be used without 'than'?
While typically used with 'than', comparative adjectives can sometimes be used without it, especially in informal contexts or when the comparison is implied. For instance, "This route is quicker." implies a comparison to another route. However, using 'than' makes the comparison clearer.
