27. The comparative form of adjectives

English Explanations

1. Use the comparative form of an adjective to compare two nouns. To form the comparative, add -er to most one-syllable adjectives. If the adjective ends with e, add -r. If it ends with a consonant-vowel-consonant pattern, double the last consonant and add -er.The comparative form may be followed by than + noun phrase. When there is no noun phrase after the adjective, do not use than.

2. To form the comparative of most two- and three-syllable adjectives, put more before the adjective. The comparative form may be followed by than + noun phrase.
3. To form the comparative of two-syllable adjectives that end with y, change the y to i and add -er.
4. The adjectives good, bad, and far have irregular comparative forms.

THE COMPARATIVE FORM OF ADJECTIVES
Regular Adjectives
one-syllable adjectives (small) adjective + -er (+ than + noun phrase) The cat is smaller than the dog.
one-syllable adjectives ending with e (safe) adjective + -r (+ than + noun phrase) The village is safer than the city.
two- and three-syllable adjectives (expensive) more + adjective (+ than + noun phrase) The car is more expensive than the bicycle.
two-syllable adjectives ending with y (pretty) adjective (change y to i) + -er (+ than + noun phrase) My mother is prettier than my aunt.
Irregular Adjectives
good better bad worse far farther/further Ice cream tastes better than vegetables.