This presentation goes through the various constructions of English comparatives. See my other grammar slideshows on this site.

1. Comparatives and
Superlatives
“Mine is bigger than yours”
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Peter Mangiaracina

2. Introduction
Comparatives are used to show similarities or differences
between things.
Each slide will show an explanation, an example and a
formula.
At the end, a table of common comparatives.
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Peter Mangiaracina

3. Key to Formulae
In each of the slides explaining a comparative or superlative, you will see a
“formula,” or a way to structure a sentence using that comparative. Below is an
explanation of the elements of the formulae.
Subject
The doer of an action. Usually appears at the beginning of a main clause. In the sentence “Bob
is taller than Jill,” Bob is the subject
Verb “to be”
Though many verbs can be used with the comparative, one of the most frequent is the verb “to
be” conjugated for whatever tense and person (is, are, was, were, has been, etc.)
Object
The receiver of an action. Usually appears after the verb. In the sentence, “The dog catches the
ball,” ball is the object.
Adjective
•An adjective modifies a noun. In the sentence, “Bob throws the red ball,” red is an adjective.
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4. Equal / Not Equal
To indicate or negate an equal quality:
Example:
Bob is (not) as tall as George.
subject + <to be> + (not) + as + adjective + as + object.
subject + <to be> + (not) + as + adjective + as + object.
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Peter Mangiaracina

5. Difference Type I
Indicating a difference between two or more things, usually
when the adjective has one or two syllables:
Example:
Bob is (not) taller than George.
subject + <to be> + (not) + adjective + {-er} + than + object.
subject + <to be> + (not) + adjective + {-er} + than + object.
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Peter Mangiaracina

6. Difference Type II
Indicating a difference between two or more things, usually
when the adjective has two or more syllables*
Example:
The red car is (not) less /more expensive than the
blue car.
subject + <to be> + (not) + more/less + adjective + than + object.
subject + <to be> + (not) + more/less + adjective + than + object.
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Peter Mangiaracina

7. Superlatives Type I
Indicating that the quality something possesses can not be
equaled, usually when the adjective has one or two syllables:
Example:
Bob is (not) the tallest student in the class.
subject + <to be> + (not) + the + adjective + {-est} + object..
subject + <to be> + (not) + the + adjective + {-est} + object..
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Peter Mangiaracina

8. Superlatives Type II
Indicating that the quality something possesses can not be
equaled, usually when the adjective has two or more
syllables:
Example:
Linda is (not) the most/least intelligent person in the
class.
subject + <to be> + (not) + the + most/least + adjective +object.
subject + <to be> + (not) + the + most/least + adjective +object.
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Peter Mangiaracina

9. Special
Constructio
n
The more I try not to be nervous, the more nervous I
feel.
The more I eat, the hungrier I get.
The fewer people who know about this the better.
The more I work, the less I earn.
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Peter Mangiaracina

10. When to Use Type II
When verbs are functioning as adjectives (verbals).
I am more tired today than yesterday.
“Must” is the most over-used modal.
When the adjective has three syllables.
I am more intelligent than Australopithecus.
Hailey Atwell is the most beautiful actress I have
seen.
When using an adverb.
My office is more well-decorated than your office.
Apple is the most highly-respected company in the
world.
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11. Common Comparatives and
Superlatives Type 1
as ___ as _____ than The _____
pretty prettier prettiest
quick quicker quickest
slow slower slowest
cheap cheaper cheapest
tall taller tallest
good better best
bad worse worst
easy easier easiest
nice nicer nicest
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Peter Mangiaracina

12. Common Comparatives and
Superlatives Type II
More/less
most/least
intelligent
fun
interesting
boring
beautiful
exciting
comfortable
difficult
dangerous
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Peter Mangiaracina