Comparing two things
Short adjectives often add -er: cold → colder, small → smaller. A final -e needs only -r: large → larger. In a short consonant-vowel-consonant adjective, double the consonant: big → bigger.
Longer adjectives commonly use : , . Do not combine with an -er form in this basic pattern. Good → better and bad → worse are irregular.
Use to introduce the other thing: , . The comparative does not change for a plural noun or a female speaker.
| Form | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Compare the temperature at two places. | ||
| Compare the temperature at two places. | ||
| Compare the size of two bags. | ||
| Compare the size of two bags. | ||
| Compare with a longer adjective. | ||
| Compare with a longer adjective. | ||
| Use the irregular comparative of good. | ||
| Use the irregular comparative of good. | ||
| Introduce the second part of a comparison. | ||
| Introduce the second part of a comparison. | ||
| Use a normal long-adjective comparison. | ||
| Use a normal long-adjective comparison. | ||
It’s colder here than in Hamburg.Compare the temperature at two places.
This bag is bigger than that one.Compare the size of two bags.
This plan is more interesting.Compare with a longer adjective.
This coffee is better.Use the irregular comparative of good.
The sea is bigger than the lake.Introduce the second part of a comparison.
This jacket is more expensive.Use a normal long-adjective comparison.
Practice 1/6 · Finding words
Notice the patterns
Tap the form described in this unit.
.
Compare the temperature at two places.
.
Compare the size of two bags.
.
Compare with a longer adjective.
.
Use the irregular comparative of good.
.
Introduce the second part of a comparison.
.
Use a normal long-adjective comparison.
Practice 2/6 · The right form
Choose the form
Choose the right word for the gap.
It’s here than in Hamburg.
Compare the temperature at two places.
This bag is than that one.
Compare the size of two bags.
This plan is interesting.
Compare with a longer adjective.
This coffee is .
Use the irregular comparative of good.
The sea is bigger the lake.
Introduce the second part of a comparison.
This jacket is more .
Use a normal long-adjective comparison.
Practice 3/6 · Fill the gaps
Complete a short message
Fill the gaps with the words from the box.
It’s here than in Hamburg.
Compare the temperature at two places.
This bag is than that one.
Compare the size of two bags.
This plan is interesting.
Compare with a longer adjective.
This coffee is .
Use the irregular comparative of good.
The sea is bigger the lake.
Introduce the second part of a comparison.
This jacket is more .
Use a normal long-adjective comparison.
Practice 4/6 · Building sentences
Build useful sentences
Put the words in order.
Compare the temperature at two places.
Compare the size of two bags.
Compare with a longer adjective.
Use the irregular comparative of good.
Introduce the second part of a comparison.
Use a normal long-adjective comparison.
Practice 5/6 · In situations
What would you say?
Choose the right words for the situation.
Compare the temperature at two places.
You say:
Choose the form that fits this meaning and the English pattern explained in the unit.
Compare the temperature at two places.
You say:
Choose the form that fits this meaning and the English pattern explained in the unit.
Compare the size of two bags.
You say:
Choose the form that fits this meaning and the English pattern explained in the unit.
Compare the size of two bags.
You say:
Choose the form that fits this meaning and the English pattern explained in the unit.
Compare with a longer adjective.
You say:
Choose the form that fits this meaning and the English pattern explained in the unit.
Compare with a longer adjective.
You say:
Choose the form that fits this meaning and the English pattern explained in the unit.
Use the irregular comparative of good.
You say:
Choose the form that fits this meaning and the English pattern explained in the unit.
Use the irregular comparative of good.
You say:
Choose the form that fits this meaning and the English pattern explained in the unit.
Practice 6/6 · Matching
Connect messages and meanings
Match the pairs.
Unit complete
