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Lesson 34 grammar

Comparatives — bigger, more expensiveSuperlatives — the biggest, the most expensive
Module 1 · A0 Foundations

The first grammar you need.

Module 2 · A1 Core Grammar

The next step — actions, ability, and time.

Module 3 · A1+ Extending Grammar

Comparing, planning, and connecting ideas.

What it is

A comparative compares two things. Short adjectives take -er; longer adjectives take 'more'. The second item follows 'than'.

Look

  • A car is bigger than a bike.
  • London is more expensive than Madrid.
  • My sister is taller than me.

Form

Positivesubject + be + adjective-er / more + adjective + thanThis route is quicker than the other one.
Negativesubject + isn't + as + adjective + asThis route isn't as quick as the other one.
QuestionWhich + be + adjective-er / more + adjective?Which route is quicker?
Short answerThis one is. · The other one is.This one is.

Form

Short adjectives

adjective + -er + thanbigger than · older than

Long adjectives (2+ syllables)

more + adjective + thanmore expensive than · more interesting than

Irregular

goodbetter
badworse
farfurther

Use it when

  • You compare two people, places or products.
  • You explain a choice: This one is cheaper.
  • You describe a change: The days are getting longer.

Remember

  • Short → -er
  • Long → more

More examples

  • My sister is taller than me.
  • Trains are more comfortable than buses.
  • Today is worse than yesterday.
  • Is the red one cheaper?

Say it: Irregular: good → better, bad → worse, far → further.

Watch out!

  • more big

    bigger

  • expensiver

    more expensive

Quick check

Summer is ___ than winter.

This book is ___ than that one.

Lesson 34
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What it is

A superlative picks out the top of a group of three or more. Use 'the' + adjective-est, or 'the most' + long adjective.

Look

  • It's the biggest city in Spain.
  • This is the most beautiful beach.
  • He is the best student.

Form

Positivethe + adjective-est / the most + adjective (+ in / of)It's the most popular café in town.
Negativesubject + isn't + the + superlativeIt isn't the cheapest place in town.
QuestionWhat / Which + be + the + superlative …?Which is the best café here?
Short answerThe + noun.The one by the river.

Use it when

  • You name the best, biggest or most popular.
  • You give an opinion or a recommendation.
  • You talk about records and extremes.

More examples

  • That was the easiest exam of the year.
  • He's the most patient teacher I know.
  • This is the worst part of the film.
  • Who is the youngest in your family?

Watch out!

  • the most big

    the biggest

  • the goodest

    the best

Quick check

Everest is ___ mountain in the world.

She is ___ person I know.

Lesson 34
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