When learning a new language, one of the fundamental aspects to grasp is how to make comparisons. Comparisons allow us to describe the similarities and differences between people, objects, and experiences. Among the different types of comparisons, one particularly useful form is the comparative of equality. This construction enables you to express that two entities are equal in some way. Understanding how to use the comparative of equality correctly can make your speech and writing more nuanced and precise.
What is Comparative of Equality?
The comparative of equality is used when you want to say that two things are the same in some respect. In English, this is typically constructed using the word “as.” For example, in the sentence “She is as tall as her brother,” we are comparing the height of two people and stating that they are equal in this regard.
Basic Structure in English
The basic structure for forming the comparative of equality in English involves the use of the word “as” before and after the adjective or adverb you are comparing. The general formula is:
– Subject + verb + as + adjective/adverb + as + noun/pronoun
Here are some examples:
1. “This test is as difficult as the last one.”
2. “He runs as quickly as his friend.”
3. “She is as intelligent as her sister.”
In these sentences, “difficult,” “quickly,” and “intelligent” are the adjectives and adverbs being compared, and “as…as” creates the structure that conveys equality.
Comparatives of Equality in Different Languages
While the structure for expressing equality is fairly straightforward in English, it can vary significantly in other languages. Understanding these differences can provide useful insights, especially for bilingual or multilingual learners.
Spanish
In Spanish, the comparative of equality is formed using “tan…como” for adjectives and adverbs, and “tanto…como” for nouns. Here are some examples:
1. “Ella es tan alta como su hermano.” (She is as tall as her brother.)
2. “Corre tan rápido como su amigo.” (He runs as quickly as his friend.)
3. “Tiene tanto dinero como su primo.” (He has as much money as his cousin.)
Notice how “tan” is used with adjectives and adverbs, while “tanto” changes according to gender and number when used with nouns.
French
In French, the comparative of equality is constructed using “aussi…que” for adjectives and adverbs, and “autant de…que” for nouns. Examples include:
1. “Elle est aussi grande que son frère.” (She is as tall as her brother.)
2. “Il court aussi vite que son ami.” (He runs as quickly as his friend.)
3. “Il a autant d’argent que son cousin.” (He has as much money as his cousin.)
The structure is similar to Spanish, with “aussi” being used for adjectives and adverbs, and “autant de” for nouns.
German
In German, the comparative of equality uses “so…wie” for both adjectives and adverbs. For example:
1. “Sie ist so groß wie ihr Bruder.” (She is as tall as her brother.)
2. “Er läuft so schnell wie sein Freund.” (He runs as quickly as his friend.)
German does not differentiate between adjectives, adverbs, and nouns in the way that Spanish and French do, making it somewhat simpler in this respect.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Incorrect Use of “Like”
One common mistake English learners make is using “like” instead of “as” in the comparative of equality. For example, saying “She is like tall as her brother” is incorrect. The correct form is “She is as tall as her brother.”
Double Comparatives
Another frequent error is the use of double comparatives, such as “as more quick as.” The correct form should be “as quick as.” The word “more” is unnecessary and incorrect in this structure.
Overusing “Much” and “Many”
When dealing with nouns, it’s essential to use “much” or “many” correctly. For instance, “She has as much books as her sister” is incorrect. The correct sentence would be “She has as many books as her sister.” “Much” is used for uncountable nouns, while “many” is used for countable nouns.
Advanced Uses and Variations
The comparative of equality can also be used in more complex sentences and with various tenses. Let’s explore some advanced uses and variations.
Comparative of Equality with Different Tenses
While most examples so far have been in the present tense, the comparative of equality can be used with past and future tenses as well. For instance:
1. Past tense: “She was as talented as her mother.”
2. Future tense: “He will be as successful as his father.”
Using the Comparative of Equality in Negative Sentences
To express that two things are not equal, you can use a negative form. For example:
1. “She is not as tall as her brother.”
2. “This book is not as interesting as the last one.”
Emphasizing the Equality
Sometimes, you might want to emphasize the equality being expressed. This can be done using words like “just” or “exactly.” For example:
1. “She is just as intelligent as her sister.”
2. “The new model is exactly as efficient as the old one.”
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding of the comparative of equality, it’s helpful to practice with exercises. Here are a few you can try:
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following sentences with the correct form of the comparative of equality:
1. This cake is (delicious) __________ the one you made last week.
2. She dances (gracefully) __________ a professional ballerina.
3. He has (many) __________ friends as I do.
4. The weather today is (bad) __________ it was yesterday.
5. They will arrive (early) __________ we do.
Exercise 2: Correct the Mistakes
Identify and correct the mistakes in the following sentences:
1. She is like tall as her brother.
2. He runs as more fast as his friend.
3. This book is not so interesting as the last one.
4. She has as much apples as her sister.
5. He is just as smarter as his colleague.
Exercise 3: Create Your Own Sentences
Write five sentences using the comparative of equality, ensuring you use different adjectives, adverbs, and nouns.
Conclusion
Mastering the comparative of equality is a crucial step in becoming proficient in English and other languages. It allows you to express similarities and equalities accurately, making your communication more effective. By understanding the basic structure, recognizing common mistakes, and practicing regularly, you can become confident in using this form of comparison. Whether you are comparing adjectives, adverbs, or nouns, the comparative of equality is a versatile and valuable tool in your language learning arsenal. So, keep practicing and soon you will be able to make comparisons with ease and precision.
