English grammar: Comparatives

What this grammar point covers

Comparatives are words and structures used in English to compare two people, things, or actions. They show how something is more or less than something else.

When to use it

Use comparatives when you want to show the difference between two things, people, places, or actions.

Key forms

• adjective + -er + than (for short adjectives): taller than, faster than
• more + adjective + than (for long adjectives): more interesting than, more beautiful than
• less + adjective + than: less expensive than

Examples

Tips

• Remember to use 'than' after the comparative form.
• Use '-er' for short adjectives (one syllable), and 'more' for longer adjectives (two or more syllables).
• Do not use 'more' and '-er' together (not 'more taller').

Exceptions and edge cases

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