English grammar: Comparatives

What this grammar point covers

Comparatives are forms of adjectives or adverbs that show the difference between two things. They are used to compare people, places, or things.

When to use it

Use comparatives in English when you want to compare two people, things, or places. For example, when you want to say that one thing is bigger, smaller, or more interesting than another.

Key forms

• adjective + -er (for short adjectives): taller, faster
• more + adjective (for longer adjectives): more beautiful, more interesting
• than to show the difference: taller than, more expensive than

Examples

Tips

• Remember to use 'than' when you compare two things.
• For one-syllable adjectives, usually add '-er'. For longer adjectives, use 'more'.
• Do not use 'more' and '-er' together (not 'more taller').

Exceptions and edge cases

• Some adjectives are irregular: good → better, bad → worse, far → farther/further.