What is a Comparative Degree Adjective?

S2-SA1-0336

Grade Level:

Class 1

NLP, Law, History, Social Sciences, Literature, Journalism, Communication

Definition

What is it?

A comparative degree adjective is used to compare two things, people, or groups. It shows which one has more of a certain quality than the other. We often add '-er' to the adjective or use the word 'more' before it.

Simple Example

Quick Example

Imagine you have two cricket bats. Bat A is 800 grams and Bat B is 700 grams. We can say, 'Bat B is lighter than Bat A.' Here, 'lighter' is the comparative adjective, comparing the weight of two bats.

Worked Example

Step-by-Step

Let's compare the speed of two trains.

Step 1: Identify the two things to compare: Train 1 and Train 2.
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Step 2: Identify the quality to compare: Speed.
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Step 3: State the speed of each: Train 1 travels at 100 km/h. Train 2 travels at 120 km/h.
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Step 4: Choose the adjective: 'Fast'.
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Step 5: Form the comparative degree: 'Faster'.
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Step 6: Make the comparison: 'Train 2 is faster than Train 1.'

Answer: 'Faster' is the comparative adjective.

Why It Matters

Understanding comparative adjectives helps you express ideas clearly in daily conversations and written reports. Journalists use them to compare events, and lawyers use them to compare arguments. It's crucial for effective communication in any field, from social sciences to literature.

Common Mistakes

MISTAKE: Using 'more' with an '-er' adjective (e.g., 'more faster') | CORRECTION: Use either 'more' OR '-er', but not both (e.g., 'faster' or 'more beautiful').

MISTAKE: Forgetting 'than' after the comparative adjective when comparing two things (e.g., 'My phone is better your phone') | CORRECTION: Always use 'than' to complete the comparison (e.g., 'My phone is better than your phone').

MISTAKE: Not changing 'y' to 'i' before adding '-er' for adjectives ending in 'y' (e.g., 'happyer') | CORRECTION: Change 'y' to 'i' and then add '-er' (e.g., 'happier').

Practice Questions

Try It Yourself

QUESTION: Fill in the blank: The elephant is ______ (big) than the dog. | ANSWER: bigger

QUESTION: Complete the sentence using the comparative form of 'expensive': Gold is ______ (expensive) than silver. | ANSWER: more expensive

QUESTION: My chai is ______ (hot) than your coffee, but your coffee is ______ (sweet) than my chai. (Use comparative forms) | ANSWER: hotter, sweeter

MCQ

Quick Quiz

Which of these sentences uses a comparative degree adjective correctly?

This book is more good than that one.

My new bicycle is faster than my old one.

She is the most intelligent girl in the class.

The weather today is more hotter.

The Correct Answer Is:

Option B uses 'faster' correctly to compare two bicycles. Option A should be 'better'. Option C uses the superlative degree 'most intelligent'. Option D incorrectly uses 'more hotter' instead of just 'hotter'.

Real World Connection

In the Real World

When you compare mobile data plans, like 'Plan A offers faster internet than Plan B', you are using comparative adjectives. Or when a food delivery app like Swiggy shows 'Restaurant X has better ratings than Restaurant Y', it's helping you make a choice using comparative language.

Key Vocabulary

Key Terms

ADJECTIVE: A word that describes a noun | COMPARATIVE: Used to compare two things | DEGREE: Levels of intensity for adjectives (positive, comparative, superlative) | THAN: A word used to introduce the second part of a comparison

What's Next

What to Learn Next

Next, you should learn about Superlative Degree Adjectives. This will help you compare three or more things and identify the one that has the most of a certain quality, building on what you've learned about comparing two things.