Comparatives (comp)

Although the comparative (and the superlative) are fairly basic grammar, many students still make mistakes.  Here is a brief summary:

                               Comparative

              Adjectives                              Nouns

    Andrew is calmer than Bill.       Bill has more fears than
                                                  Andrew.

    Andrew is more secure than     
    Bill.

    Jack is less imaginative than      He has less imagination
    Hiro.                                       than Hiro.*

                                Superlative 

                Adjectives                             Nouns

    Harry is the calmest in his             Matt has the most
   family.                                         talent in his art class.

    He is the least nervous in              He has the least money
    his family.                                   also.*

*  In quite formal English we use "fewer" and "fewest" in front of
    count nouns:  He has fewer friends (or the fewest problems)....
    However, many Americans don't follow this rule.

Using "as...as"

    Similarity or difference can also be expressed with an "as...as"
    expression.  Notice how the use differs with count and non-
    count nouns:

    1.  Bill is (or isn't) as spontaneous as Ming.
    2.  Bill has (or doesn't have) as much patience as Ming. (non-
         count)         
    3.  Bill has (or doesn't have)  as many ideas as Ming.  (count)

Links:

         Exercise:  comps.htm
         More explanation and exercises:  330/grammar/regcom.htm
         Edit student sentences:  studentsent.doc

08/06/2004