What are Comparatives?
We use comparative adjectives to compare two people, places, or things. We almost always use the word "than" after the comparative adjective to connect the two items.
Rule 1: Short Adjectives
For short adjectives (one syllable), we simply add -er to the end.
Examples:
- Tall → Taller: Ahmed is taller than Bilal.
- Fast → Faster: A car is faster than a bicycle.
- Old → Older: My grandfather is older than my father.
Spelling Rule: If the short adjective ends in a Consonant-Vowel-Consonant (CVC), we double the last letter before adding -er.
Example: Big → Bigger. Hot → Hotter.
Rule 2: Long Adjectives
For long adjectives (two or more syllables), we do not change the word. Instead, we put more before the adjective.
Examples:
- Expensive: A phone is more expensive than a book.
- Beautiful: Ifrane is more beautiful than Casablanca.
- Dangerous: Lions are more dangerous than cats.
Rule 3: Exceptions & Irregulars
Words ending in 'y': Change the 'y' to 'i' and add -er.
- Happy → Happier
- Easy → Easier
Irregular Adjectives: These completely change their spelling and must be memorized!
- Good → Better
- Bad → Worse
- Far → Further (or Farther)
Write the correct comparative form of the adjective in brackets. Do not type "than", just the adjective!