Lesson Content
Grammar Focus
We use comparatives to show how two people, places, things, or actions are different or the same. Comparatives express greater, equal, or lesser amounts or qualities. The correct form depends on the number of syllables in the adjective or adverb.
🔹 Greater Comparisons (showing more)
- One syllable: add –er → taller, faster, colder
- Two syllables ending in –y: change –y to –ier → happier, earlier
- Two or more syllables: use more + adjective/adverb → more comfortable, more carefully
- With action verbs: use more + adverb → She works more quietly than I do.
🔸 Equal Comparisons (showing the same)
Use as + adjective/adverb + as
➤ “This backpack is as heavy as that one is.”
➤ “He studies as hard as his brother does.”
🔻 Lesser Comparisons (showing less)
Use less + adjective/adverb + than
➤ “That exam was less difficult than last week’s was.”
➤ “He runs less quickly than his teammate does.”
📌 Examples (with verbs for formality):
• My apartment is bigger than yours is.
• This hotel is as expensive as that one is.
• I’m less tired than I was yesterday.
• She drives more carefully than he does.
✅ Note: In informal conversation, we often leave out the final verb (“than me”, “as fast as him”), but in formal or written English, it’s clearer and more correct to include the verb (“than I am,” “as fast as he is”). This avoids confusion and improves your grammar accuracy in academic or professional settings.
🗣️ Why This Grammar Matters for Listening and Speaking
Comparatives help you give opinions, describe people and places, and compare actions in natural conversation. Whether you’re saying someone is faster, just as skilled, or less talkative, knowing how to use greater, equal, and lesser comparisons helps you speak clearly and understand others better.
🧠 Everyday Listening and Speaking Uses:
- Describing people and things
➤ “My brother is taller than I am.”
➤ “This class is as interesting as the last one was.”
➤ “That meal was less spicy than I expected.” - Comparing actions
➤ “She works harder than he does.”
➤ “I speak English as well as my friend does.”
➤ “They drive less carefully than we do.” - Making decisions and giving opinions
➤ “This one is cheaper, but that one is better.”
➤ “I think today is as cold as yesterday was.”
✅ Pro Tip: In casual speech, we often drop the final verb:
➤ “He’s taller than me.”
But in more formal settings or writing, it’s better to include it:
➤ “He’s taller than I am.”
🎯 Listening Tip: Listen for signal words like than, as…as, and less—they help you follow comparisons in conversations. Practicing both casual and formal forms helps you switch smoothly between different situations.
Let’s Practice
Language Game
Now, practice your language skills with these interactive games.
🎧🗣️ Listening & Speaking Practice Questions
These questions help you compare people, things, and actions using expressions like “taller than,” “as smart as,” or “less busy than.” Try using full comparison forms in your answers, especially in formal settings (e.g., “than I am,” “as fast as he is”). Listen closely when others use comparatives and try to ask follow-up questions.
Compare People You Know
Who is taller, older, or more active in your family?
➤ Example: “My dad is taller than I am.” / “My sister is as organized as I am.”
Compare Abilities or Habits
Who studies harder or speaks more fluently: you or a friend?
➤ Example: “He studies harder than I do.” / “I speak English as clearly as she does.”
Talk About Places
Is your town safer, busier, or less noisy than another city?
➤ Example: “My city is less crowded than Tokyo is.”
Compare Yourself to the Past
Are you more confident, faster, or less nervous now than last year?
➤ Example: “I’m more confident than I was before.”
Ask About Daily Routines
Who wakes up earlier or works more carefully in your house?
➤ Example: “My brother wakes up earlier than I do.”
Practice Equal and Lesser Forms
Who is as helpful as you? Who is less tired than you today?
➤ Example: “My teammate is as helpful as I am.”
➤ “I’m less tired than I was yesterday.”