🎓 Mini-Lesson: How to Compare Things
What are Comparatives?
Comparatives are words we use to compare two things. They help us say that one thing is bigger, smaller, faster, or different than another thing!
Rule 1: Short Words (1 syllable)
For short words, add -er
Normal
tall
Comparative
taller
Example
Tom is taller than Sam
More Examples:
• fast → faster (The car is faster than the bike)
• small → smaller (A mouse is smaller than a cat)
• cold → colder (Winter is colder than autumn)
• high → higher (The mountain is higher than the hill)
• fast → faster (The car is faster than the bike)
• small → smaller (A mouse is smaller than a cat)
• cold → colder (Winter is colder than autumn)
• high → higher (The mountain is higher than the hill)
Rule 2: Words Ending in 'e'
If the word ends in 'e', just add -r
Normal
large
Comparative
larger
Example
An elephant is larger than a dog
More Examples:
• nice → nicer
• safe → safer
• wide → wider
• nice → nicer
• safe → safer
• wide → wider
Rule 3: Words Ending in Consonant + 'y'
Change 'y' to 'i' and add -er
Normal
happy
Comparative
happier
Example
She is happier today
More Examples:
• busy → busier
• funny → funnier
• easy → easier
• heavy → heavier
• busy → busier
• funny → funnier
• easy → easier
• heavy → heavier
Rule 4: Long Words (2+ syllables)
For longer words, use "more" before the word
Normal
beautiful
Comparative
more beautiful
Example
This flower is more beautiful
More Examples:
• careful → more careful
• exciting → more exciting
• interesting → more interesting
• difficult → more difficult
• careful → more careful
• exciting → more exciting
• interesting → more interesting
• difficult → more difficult
⚠️ Irregular Comparatives (Special Words):
These words don't follow the rules - you just have to remember them!
These words don't follow the rules - you just have to remember them!
• good → better
• bad → worse
• much/many → more
• little → less
• far → farther/further
💡 Remember:
• Use comparatives when comparing TWO things
• Usually use "than" after the comparative (bigger than, faster than)
• Never say "more faster" or "more bigger" - choose ONE way!
• Use comparatives when comparing TWO things
• Usually use "than" after the comparative (bigger than, faster than)
• Never say "more faster" or "more bigger" - choose ONE way!
✏️ Practice Questions
Write the comparative form of each word.