Comparative adjectives: Taller than, more expensive than, etc. — Explanation

Learn how to use comparative adjectives in English, like "taller than" and "more expensive than". A1 grammar explanation and interactive exercises included.

Comparative adjectives: Taller than, more expensive than, etc.

When we compare two people, things, or places, we use comparative adjectives.
They show how they are different from each other, such as in size, height, cost, speed, and so on.

Form of Comparative Adjectives

Adjectives with one syllable

We usually add -er on the adjective and then use than.

Adjective	Comparative	Example
tall	taller than	John is taller than Peter.
short	shorter than	This pencil is shorter than that one.
fast	faster than	My car is faster than yours.

Two or more syllables

We use more + adjective + than.

Adjective	Comparative	Example
expensive	more expensive than	This phone is more expensive than that one.
beautiful	more beautiful than	Paris is more beautiful than London.
difficult	more difficult than	English is more difficult than Spanish.

Two-syllable adjectives ending in -y

Change -y to -ier and use than.

Adjective	Comparative	Example
happy	happier than	She is happier than before.
busy	busier than	Monday is busier than Sunday.
easy	easier than	This test is easier than the last one.

Irregular Comparatives

Some adjectives have irregular forms that don’t follow the normal rules.

Adjective	Comparative	Example
good	better than	This movie is better than the last one.
bad	worse than	My results are worse than yours.
far	farther / further than	The shop is farther than the park.

Examples in Sentences

• My house is bigger than yours.
• This book is more interesting than that one.
• Sarah is younger than Tom.
• Today is colder than yesterday.
• Your idea is better than mine.

Tips

• When you compare two things, always use "than" after the adjective that shows how they are different.
• Don't use more with adjectives that already have -er (more taller → taller).
• You can also use a lot, much, or a little to make comparisons stronger or weaker:
  • "This dress costs a lot more than that one."
  • "He's a bit taller than his brother."