Comparatives: -er and more (A2 level)

Comparatives change the form of an adjective. Think of it like a scale. You are weighing two different things. To show one side is "more," we change the word. For short words, we usually add a tail. That tail is -er. For long words, we use a helper word. That helper word is more. We also use a special word to connect them. That word is than. Think of than as the middle of the scale. It balances the two things you are comparing. Without than, the sentence often feels unfinished. It is the glue that holds the comparison together.

1. 1Creating comparatives follows a few simple steps. Think of it as a recipe.
2. 2For short words (1 syllable), just add -er.
3. 3Small becomes smaller.
4. 4Fast becomes faster.
5. 5If a short word ends in Consonant-Vowel-Consonant, double the last letter.
6. 6Big becomes bigger.
7. 7Hot becomes hotter.
8. 8For words ending in -y, change the -y to -i and add -er.
9. 9Happy becomes happier.
10. 10Easy becomes easier.
11. 11For long words (2+ syllables), put more before the word.
12. 12Expensive becomes more expensive.
13. 13Beautiful becomes more beautiful.
14. 14Memorize the rebels (irregulars). They don't follow rules.
15. 15Good becomes better.
16. 16Bad becomes worse.
17. 17Far becomes further.

You use comparatives when you have exactly two things. Imagine you are in a job interview. You want to say you are more experienced than others. Or maybe you are ordering food. You want the spicier curry. Use it when you want to show a difference. It is perfect for giving directions too. "The museum is closer than the park." It is great for talking about progress. "My English is better than last month." Use it to express preferences. "I like this car because it is faster." It makes your descriptions specific and clear. It helps people understand exactly what you mean.

Do not use comparatives for three or more things. If you have three laptops, use superlatives like fastest. Don't use them when things are exactly the same. For equal things, we use as...as. For example, "This tea is as hot as that one." Also, do not use more and -er together. That is like wearing two hats at once. One is enough! Avoid using them for absolute adjectives. You cannot be more dead or more pregnant. These words are already at the limit. Finally, don't forget the second item. Comparing something to nothing sounds very confusing.

Many people say more better. This is a big no-no. Better is already a comparative. You don't need more. It’s like saying "more more good." Another mistake is forgetting the word than. People often use that or then by accident. Remember: than is for comparison. Then is for time. Spelling is also a common trap. Don't forget to double the g in bigger. If you forget, it looks a bit naked! Also, watch out for the -y words. Happier is correct, but more happy sounds a bit strange to native ears. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference.

Compare this to the superlative pattern. Comparatives use -er for two things. Superlatives use -est for three or more. "I am taller than my brother." "I am the tallest in my family." Also, look at as...as. This is for equality. "He is as tall as me." Comparatives are for inequality. One is always higher or lower on the scale. Think of comparatives as a ladder. You are moving up or down between two steps. Superlatives are the top of the whole ladder. Both are useful, but they do different jobs. Choose your tool based on how many things you see.