How to Form and Use the Comparative Degree in Sentences
The comparative degree of comparison is an essential part of English grammar. It helps us compare two people, objects, or ideas to show which has more or less of a particular quality. Mastering the comparative degree is important for school exams, daily conversations, and writing clear, error-free English.
What is Comparative Degree of Comparison?
Comparative degree of comparison is used to highlight the differences between two nouns by comparing their qualities. We form the comparative by adding “-er” to most short adjectives or using “more” before longer ones. The word “than” is commonly used to show the comparison in sentences.
Rules to Form Comparative Degree
| Rule | Example | Comparative Form |
|---|---|---|
| Add "-er" to most one-syllable adjectives | tall | taller |
| If adjective ends in "e", just add "-r" | large | larger |
| Double the final consonant if CVC pattern | big | bigger |
| For adjectives ending with "y", change "y" to "i" and add "-er" | happy | happier |
| Use "more" for adjectives of two or more syllables | beautiful | more beautiful |
| Irregular comparatives | good | better |
These rules help you quickly form comparatives during exams or daily interactions, reducing mistakes and confusion.
Comparative Degree Examples in Sentences
| Adjective | Comparative | Sentence Example |
|---|---|---|
| fast | faster | Cars are faster than bicycles. |
| young | younger | My brother is younger than me. |
| lazy | lazier | He is lazier than his cousin. |
| intelligent | more intelligent | Meena is more intelligent than Kiran. |
| bad | worse | His handwriting is worse than mine. |
| easy | easier | This worksheet is easier than yesterday’s. |
| old | older | My grandfather is older than my grandmother. |
These comparative degree examples show both regular and irregular forms, making it easy for students to revise and use in tests or assignments.
Common Mistakes When Using Comparative Degree
Do not use both “more” and “-er” together (wrong: more taller).
Don’t use regular patterns with irregular adjectives (wrong: gooder for good).
Always include “than” when comparing two items.
Don’t use comparative for more than two items. Use superlative instead.
Remembering these tips will help you avoid errors in writing and speaking, especially in competitive exams and class tests.
Practice Exercises: Comparative Degree Worksheet
| Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|
| The story was _______ (long) than the movie. | longer |
| My bag is _______ (heavy) than yours. | heavier |
| This puzzle is _______ (easy) than the last one. | easier |
| Tina is _______ (good) at maths than Rahul. | better |
| This mobile is _______ (expensive) than that model. | more expensive |
Attempt these for self-check. Practicing similar sentences builds speed and confidence for school and competitive exam preparation.
Summary
Understanding the comparative degree of comparison enhances your English grammar, helps you answer exam questions correctly, and improves your writing clarity. Recognize rules, avoid common errors, and practice sentence examples for confidence in both academic and real-world communication.
FAQs on Comparative Degree of Comparison: Rules, Uses & Examples
1. What is the comparative degree of comparison in English grammar?
The comparative degree is a grammatical form used to compare two things, showing which possesses a greater or lesser degree of a quality. It's typically formed by adding '-er' to one-syllable adjectives or using 'more' before multi-syllable adjectives. The comparison is often completed with the word 'than'.
2. How do I form the comparative degree of adjectives?
The formation of the comparative degree depends on the adjective's structure. For most one-syllable adjectives, add '-er' (e.g., tall - taller). For adjectives ending in 'e', add '-r' (e.g., large - larger). If an adjective ends in a consonant-vowel-consonant, double the final consonant and add '-er' (e.g., big - bigger). For two-syllable adjectives ending in 'y', change 'y' to 'i' and add '-er' (e.g., happy - happier). For adjectives with two or more syllables (not ending in 'y'), use 'more' before the adjective (e.g., beautiful - more beautiful). Remember that some adjectives are irregular (e.g., good - better, bad - worse).
3. Give some examples of sentences using the comparative degree.
Here are some examples: "My dog is bigger than your cat." "This cake is more delicious than the last one." "She is happier today than yesterday." "He is taller than his brother." "This task is more difficult than I anticipated."
4. What is the difference between the comparative and superlative degrees?
The comparative degree compares two things, while the superlative degree compares three or more things to show the greatest or least degree of a quality. For example, "He is taller than his brother" (comparative) versus "He is the tallest in his family" (superlative).
5. What are some common mistakes to avoid when using the comparative degree?
Avoid using both '-er' and 'more' with the same adjective (incorrect: more taller). Use 'than' to show the comparison between two items (incorrect: This is better that one). Remember that some adjectives have irregular comparative forms (don't say 'gooder' or 'badder'). For equal comparison, use "as...as" (e.g., "He is as tall as his father").
6. What are some irregular comparative adjectives?
Some adjectives don't follow the standard rules for forming the comparative degree. These are called irregular comparative adjectives. Key examples include: good (better), bad (worse), far (farther/further), little (less), much/many (more).
7. When should I use 'more' instead of '-er' to form the comparative?
Use 'more' before adjectives with two or more syllables, except for those ending in '-y' (which change to '-ier'). For example: "This painting is more beautiful than that one." This rule helps maintain the flow and pronunciation of longer words.
8. Can adverbs be used in the comparative degree?
Yes, adverbs can also be used in the comparative degree. Similar rules apply; for shorter adverbs, add '-er' (e.g., fast - faster), and for longer ones, use 'more' (e.g., quickly - more quickly). Some adverbs, like adjectives, are irregular (e.g., well - better).
9. Why is 'than' necessary in comparative sentences?
The word 'than' is crucial because it explicitly indicates the comparison between the two items being discussed. It clarifies that one item possesses a higher or lower degree of a quality compared to the other. Omitting 'than' would make the comparison ambiguous.
10. Are there exceptions to the basic comparative degree rules?
Yes, there are exceptions. The most notable are the irregular comparative adjectives mentioned earlier (good/better, bad/worse, etc.). Additionally, some adjectives have different comparative forms depending on their usage (e.g., 'farther' for physical distance and 'further' for figurative distance).
11. How do I use the comparative degree to show equal comparison?
To express equal comparison, use the structure "as...as." For example: "She is as tall as her sister." This structure indicates that both individuals possess the same degree of the quality being compared.
12. What resources can I use to practice forming comparative sentences?
Vedantu offers various resources like worksheets and interactive exercises to practice forming comparative sentences. You can also find numerous online quizzes and grammar practice websites to reinforce your understanding of this grammar concept.
