Comparative forms are used to compare two things or groups. They can show superiority, inferiority, or equality in some aspect.
Revise what have you learned about Comparative forms before!
We use adjectives to describe people, things, places, and ideas.
Adjectives have three forms:
1. Positive – the basic form
2. Comparative – compares two things
3. Superlative – compares three or more things
1. Positive Form:
The positive form is the simple form of the adjective.
We use it when we do not compare anything.
We use it when we do not compare anything.
Examples:
The car is fast.
Her dress is beautiful.
This room is big.
2. Comparative Form:
We use the comparative form to compare two people or things.
3. Superlative Form:
We use the superlative form to compare three or more things. It shows the highest level.
How to FORM the Comparative and Superlative:
Use the before superlative adjectives.
1) One-syllable adjectives: -er / -est
tall — taller — the tallest
fast — faster — the fastest
2) Adjectives ending in -e
nice — nicer — the nicest
large — larger — the largest
3) Short adjectives: double the consonant
big — bigger — the biggest
hot — hotter — the hottest
4) Two-syllable adjectives ending in -y
Change y — i and add -er / -est
happy — happier — the happiest
busy — busier — the busiest
5) Some two-syllable adjectives ending in -er form the comparative with -er / -est, not more / most
Examples:
clever — cleverer — the cleverest
narrow — narrower — the narrowest
6) Two-syllable adjectives ending in -ow
Some two-syllable adjectives ending in -ow also take -er / -est.
Examples:
narrow — narrower — the narrowest
shallow — shallower — the shallowest
7) Long adjectives (2+ syllables): more / most
interesting — more interesting — the most interesting
expensive — more expensive — the most expensive
8) Irregular comparative adjectives and superlatives
Some adjectives change form:
good — better — the best
bad — worse — the worst
far — further — the furthest
old — older/elder — the oldest / the eldest
9) Equality (as ... as)
We use as + adjective + as to show that two things are equal.
Examples:
She is as tall as her sister.
This test is not as difficult as the last one.
10) Inferiority (less ... than)
We use less + adjective + than to show a lower degree.
Use than after comparative adjectives.
Examples:
This exercise is less easy than the first one.
Winter is less warm than summer.
Common mistakes
Wrong: more better — correct: better
Wrong: the most fastest — the fastest
Wrong: the most fastest — the fastest
Examples:
Women athletes are more empowered than ever before.
The recognition of women in sports is greater than in previous decades.
The challenge for women in sports is less daunting compared to the past.
Tips to Remember Comparative Forms:
1. Learn adjectives in groups: big – bigger – the biggest.
2. Use colours to mark regular and irregular forms.
3. Write simple comparison sentences about people or things you know.
4. Read easy texts and look for comparative and superlative adjectives.
Example:
The role of women in sports is becoming more important than ever. Equality in sports is a big challenge for many. Women face more obstacles than men, but they are working hard to overcome them. Achievements by female athletes are now more recognised and appreciated. Many women want to participate in sports, just like men. This is an opportunity for growth in many areas. The number of professional female athletes is increasing rapidly. They act as role models for young girls everywhere. Empowering women in sports leads to greater success. Recognition of their talents is essential for motivation. Compared to the past, opportunities for women in sports are much better now. Female athletes inspire others to achieve their goals. Sports organisations also promote better representation of women. This helps create a more balanced view of sports. The impact of women in sports is more significant than before. Together, they are challenging stereotypes and changing the game.
Word bank:
achievement — [əˈtʃiːvmənt] — something accomplished successfully, sasniegums
Example: Winning the gold medal at the Olympics was a huge achievement for the female athletes.
challenge — [ˈtʃælɪndʒ] — something difficult to accomplish, izaicinājums
Example: One challenge women face in sports is getting the same media coverage as men.
empower — [ɪmˈpaʊər] — to give someone the authority or power to do something, pilnvarot
Example: Sports can empower women by helping them build confidence and leadership skills.
equality — [iˈkwɒləti] — the state of being equal, especially in status, rights, or opportunities, vienlīdzība
Example: Women in sports deserve equality in pay and opportunities, just like their male counterparts.
opportunity — [ˌɒpəˈtjuːnəti] — a set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something, iespēja
Example: More schools are providing girls with the opportunity to play football and rugby.
participate — [pɑːˈtɪsɪpeɪt] — to take part in an activity, piedalīties
Example: Many young girls want to participate in sports teams to develop their skills and confidence.
professional — [prəˈfeʃ.ən.əl] — someone who earns money by doing a job they are very skilled at, particularly in sports, profesionāls
Example: Many women have become professional athletes, inspiring others to pursue sports as a career.
recognition — [ˌrekəg'nɪʃən] — acknowledgement of something's existence, validity, or legality, atzīšana
Example: Female athletes are finally getting the recognition they deserve for their hard work and achievements.
representation — [ˌrep.rɪ.zenˈteɪ.ʃən] — acting or speaking on behalf of someone or something, pārstāvniecība
Example: It is important to have good representation of women in coaching and sports management.
role model — [ˈroʊl ˌmɑːdl̩] — a person whose behavior, example, or success is or can be emulated by others, paraugs
Example: Serena Williams is a great role model for young girls who aspire to be athletes.
Atsauce:
Achievement: kovop / Shutterstock
Participate: jfergusonphotos / Shutterstock