When learning a new language, mastering comparatives can be quite a challenge. Comparatives are used to compare differences between two objects, people, or situations. However, even advanced learners often make mistakes with comparatives. This article will delve into some of the most common mistakes with comparatives and provide tips on how to avoid them.
Adding “More” to Already Comparative Adjectives
One of the most frequent errors is adding “more” to adjectives that are already in their comparative form. For example, saying “more better” instead of “better.” This mistake is common among learners who are unsure whether the adjective needs “more” to make it comparative.
Incorrect: This book is more better than the last one.
Correct: This book is better than the last one.
Remember, for one-syllable adjectives and some two-syllable adjectives, you only need to add “-er” at the end to form the comparative. Examples include “taller,” “shorter,” “happier,” and “simpler.”
Using “Than” Incorrectly
Another common mistake is the incorrect use of “than.” When making comparisons, “than” is essential to show the difference between the two entities being compared.
Incorrect: She is taller then her brother.
Correct: She is taller than her brother.
Confusing “then” and “than” can lead to misunderstandings, as “then” generally refers to time, while “than” is used in comparisons.
Adjective Agreement in Comparatives
In English, adjectives do not change form based on the gender or number of the noun they modify. However, learners from languages where adjectives do change according to gender and number often make this mistake.
Incorrect: The more taller boys.
Correct: The taller boys.
Remember, the comparative form of the adjective remains the same regardless of the noun it modifies.
Using Double Comparatives
Double comparatives occur when learners use both “more” and the “-er” suffix together, which is incorrect.
Incorrect: This task is more easier than the last one.
Correct: This task is easier than the last one.
If an adjective already ends in “-er,” adding “more” is redundant and grammatically incorrect.
Incorrect Comparative Forms for Irregular Adjectives
Irregular adjectives have unique comparative forms that must be memorized. Common mistakes occur when learners try to apply regular comparative rules to these irregular adjectives.
Incorrect: She is more good at math.
Correct: She is better at math.
Incorrect: This is the more bad outcome.
Correct: This is the worse outcome.
Irregular adjectives like “good,” “bad,” and “far” have unique comparative forms that do not follow regular rules.
Using Comparatives for Absolute Adjectives
Absolute adjectives describe something in its extreme form and cannot logically be compared. Words like “perfect,” “unique,” or “dead” are examples of absolute adjectives.
Incorrect: This painting is more perfect than the other.
Correct: This painting is more beautiful than the other.
Absolute adjectives already represent the highest degree of something, so using them in the comparative form is incorrect.
Confusing Comparatives and Superlatives
Superlatives are used to compare more than two objects or people, indicating the highest degree of a quality. Learners sometimes confuse comparatives and superlatives.
Incorrect: She is the taller of all the students.
Correct: She is the tallest of all the students.
Comparatives are used for comparing two entities, while superlatives are used for comparing more than two.
Using “Than” with Comparatives and “The” with Superlatives
A common mistake is using “than” with superlatives or failing to use “the” with superlatives.
Incorrect: She is taller than everyone in the class.
Correct: She is the tallest in the class.
Incorrect: She is the taller of the two sisters.
Correct: She is taller than her sister.
Superlatives require “the” before them, while comparatives generally use “than.”
Incorrect Use of Comparative Adverbs
Adverbs also have comparative forms, and learners often make mistakes with these as well. The rules for forming comparative adverbs can be different from those for adjectives.
Incorrect: She runs more faster than him.
Correct: She runs faster than him.
For adverbs ending in “-ly,” you use “more” to form the comparative.
Incorrect: He speaks quicker than her.
Correct: He speaks more quickly than her.
Understanding the correct form of comparative adverbs is crucial for accurate comparisons.
Comparing with “As … As”
The “as … as” structure is used for making equal comparisons. Learners often misuse this structure, either omitting parts or using incorrect forms.
Incorrect: She is as taller as her sister.
Correct: She is as tall as her sister.
The structure should be “as + adjective + as” for making equal comparisons.
Using “Less” Instead of “More”
Sometimes learners confuse “less” and “more” when making comparisons, which can lead to the opposite meaning of what is intended.
Incorrect: She is less taller than her brother.
Correct: She is taller than her brother.
“Less” is used to indicate a decrease in a quality, while “more” indicates an increase.
Comparing Quantity with “Fewer” and “Less”
When comparing quantities, “fewer” is used with countable nouns, and “less” is used with uncountable nouns. This rule often confuses learners.
Incorrect: There are less apples in the basket.
Correct: There are fewer apples in the basket.
Incorrect: There is fewer water in the glass.
Correct: There is less water in the glass.
Understanding the difference between countable and uncountable nouns is essential for using “fewer” and “less” correctly.
Comparing Actions with “More” and “Less”
When comparing actions, “more” and “less” are used before the verb. Learners often place them incorrectly.
Incorrect: She studies harder more than her brother.
Correct: She studies more than her brother.
Incorrect: He swims lesser than his friend.
Correct: He swims less than his friend.
“More” and “less” should be placed before the verb when comparing actions.
Comparative Forms in Questions
When forming questions with comparatives, learners often make mistakes by not inverting the subject and the auxiliary verb.
Incorrect: Is she taller than her brother?
Correct: Is she taller than her brother?
Incorrect: Does he run faster than you?
Correct: Does he run faster than you?
Ensuring proper question formation is crucial for clear communication.
Incorrect Use of “The More … The More”
The structure “the more … the more” is used to show that two things increase or decrease together. Learners often misuse this structure.
Incorrect: More he studies, more he understands.
Correct: The more he studies, the more he understands.
Using “the more” correctly in both parts of the sentence is essential for clarity.
Comparative Idioms and Expressions
English has many idiomatic expressions and fixed phrases that use comparatives. Learners often misinterpret or misuse these phrases.
Incorrect: She is older as the hills.
Correct: She is as old as the hills.
Incorrect: He is more busy than a bee.
Correct: He is as busy as a bee.
Familiarizing oneself with common idiomatic expressions can help avoid these mistakes.
Avoiding Redundancy in Comparatives
Learners sometimes use redundant words or phrases when making comparisons, which can make sentences awkward.
Incorrect: She is more taller than him by much.
Correct: She is much taller than him.
Keeping comparisons concise and to the point improves clarity and readability.
Practice and Exposure
The best way to avoid these common mistakes is through consistent practice and exposure to correct usage. Reading, writing, and speaking in English regularly will help reinforce the correct forms of comparatives.
Consider keeping a journal where you specifically focus on using comparatives correctly. Additionally, engaging in conversations with native speakers or using language learning apps that provide corrective feedback can be immensely beneficial.
Conclusion
Mastering comparatives in English can be challenging, but being aware of these common mistakes and actively working to avoid them will significantly improve your language skills. Remember to pay attention to adjective and adverb forms, use “than” and “the” correctly, and practice regularly. By doing so, you’ll find that making accurate comparisons becomes second nature. Happy learning!
