When learning English, one of the key areas that often trips up language learners is the use of comparisons in different tenses. Comparisons are essential in conveying differences, similarities, and degrees of attributes between two or more entities. Understanding how to correctly form comparisons across various tenses is crucial for effective communication. This article will delve into the intricacies of making comparisons in the present, past, and future tenses, providing examples and explanations to guide you through the process.
Comparisons in the Present Tense
In the present tense, comparisons are often used to describe the current state of things. This can involve comparing two people, objects, or situations. Here are some fundamental structures for making comparisons in the present tense:
Using Adjectives
Adjectives are commonly used when making comparisons. There are two primary forms of comparison using adjectives: the comparative and the superlative.
**Comparative Adjectives**:
– To form a comparative adjective, you typically add “-er” to the end of a one-syllable adjective, or use “more” before a multi-syllable adjective.
– Example: “This car is faster than that one.”
– Example: “She is more intelligent than her brother.”
**Superlative Adjectives**:
– To form a superlative adjective, you usually add “-est” to the end of a one-syllable adjective, or use “most” before a multi-syllable adjective.
– Example: “This is the fastest car in the race.”
– Example: “She is the most intelligent student in the class.”
Using Adverbs
Adverbs can also be used to make comparisons, particularly when describing actions.
**Comparative Adverbs**:
– For adverbs that are one syllable, add “-er” to the end, or use “more” before multi-syllable adverbs.
– Example: “He runs faster than his friend.”
– Example: “She speaks more fluently than her colleague.”
**Superlative Adverbs**:
– For adverbs that are one syllable, add “-est” to the end, or use “most” before multi-syllable adverbs.
– Example: “He runs the fastest of all the athletes.”
– Example: “She speaks the most fluently in the team.”
Comparisons in the Past Tense
When making comparisons in the past tense, the structure remains similar to that of the present tense, but the verbs are in the past form.
Using Adjectives
**Comparative Adjectives**:
– Example: “Last year, this car was faster than that one.”
– Here, “was” indicates the past tense while “faster” remains in the comparative form.
– Example: “She was more intelligent than her brother during their school years.”
**Superlative Adjectives**:
– Example: “In the previous race, this was the fastest car.”
– “Was” indicates the past tense, and “fastest” remains in the superlative form.
– Example: “She was the most intelligent student in her class.”
Using Adverbs
**Comparative Adverbs**:
– Example: “He ran faster than his friend in the last marathon.”
– “Ran” is the past form of “run,” while “faster” remains in the comparative form.
– Example: “She spoke more fluently than her colleague during the meeting.”
**Superlative Adverbs**:
– Example: “He ran the fastest in the previous race.”
– “Ran” is in the past tense, and “fastest” is the superlative form of “fast.”
– Example: “She spoke the most fluently in last year’s conference.”
Comparisons in the Future Tense
Making comparisons in the future tense involves using “will” or “going to” to indicate future actions or states.
Using Adjectives
**Comparative Adjectives**:
– Example: “Next year, this car will be faster than that one.”
– “Will be” indicates the future tense, and “faster” remains in the comparative form.
– Example: “She will be more intelligent than her brother in the upcoming test.”
**Superlative Adjectives**:
– Example: “In the next race, this will be the fastest car.”
– “Will be” indicates the future tense, and “fastest” remains in the superlative form.
– Example: “She will be the most intelligent student in the future.”
Using Adverbs
**Comparative Adverbs**:
– Example: “He will run faster than his friend in the next marathon.”
– “Will run” indicates the future tense, and “faster” remains in the comparative form.
– Example: “She will speak more fluently than her colleague in the next meeting.”
**Superlative Adverbs**:
– Example: “He will run the fastest in the upcoming race.”
– “Will run” is in the future tense, and “fastest” is the superlative form of “fast.”
– Example: “She will speak the most fluently at the next conference.”
Special Cases and Irregular Forms
Some adjectives and adverbs have irregular comparative and superlative forms. These do not follow the standard rules and must be memorized.
Irregular Adjectives
– Good: Comparative: better, Superlative: best
– Example: “She is a better student than her brother.”
– Example: “She is the best student in the class.”
– Bad: Comparative: worse, Superlative: worst
– Example: “His performance was worse than last time.”
– Example: “That was the worst movie I have ever seen.”
– Far: Comparative: farther or further, Superlative: farthest or furthest
– Example: “He ran farther than his friend.”
– Example: “She lives the furthest from school.”
Irregular Adverbs
– Well: Comparative: better, Superlative: best
– Example: “She sings better than anyone else.”
– Example: “She sings the best in the choir.”
– Badly: Comparative: worse, Superlative: worst
– Example: “He performed worse than expected.”
– Example: “That was the worst I have ever seen him play.”
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Language learners often make mistakes when forming comparisons in different tenses. Here are some common pitfalls and tips on how to avoid them:
Mixing Up Comparative and Superlative Forms
One common mistake is using the comparative form when the superlative form is required, or vice versa. Remember that the comparative form is used to compare two things, while the superlative form is used to compare three or more things.
– Incorrect: “She is the better student in the class.”
– Correct: “She is the best student in the class.”
Incorrect Word Order
Another common error is incorrect word order, particularly with adverbs.
– Incorrect: “She speaks fluently more than her colleague.”
– Correct: “She speaks more fluently than her colleague.”
Overusing “More” and “Most”
For one-syllable adjectives, avoid using “more” and “most.” Instead, add “-er” or “-est.”
– Incorrect: “She is more tall than her brother.”
– Correct: “She is taller than her brother.”
Using the Base Form Instead of the Comparative or Superlative Form
Ensure you are using the correct comparative or superlative form rather than the base form of the adjective or adverb.
– Incorrect: “He is more fast than his friend.”
– Correct: “He is faster than his friend.”
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding of making comparisons in different tenses, try these practice exercises:
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
1. This book is __________ (interesting) than the one I read last week.
2. She will run __________ (fast) in the next race.
3. He spoke __________ (fluently) than anyone else in the meeting.
4. Last year, this was the __________ (beautiful) garden in the neighborhood.
5. In the future, she will be the __________ (successful) businesswoman in her field.
Exercise 2: Correct the Mistakes
1. She is the more intelligent student in the class.
2. He will run more faster than his friend in the next marathon.
3. That was the worse movie I have ever seen.
4. She speaks more fluent than her colleague.
5. He was more taller than his brother.
Exercise 3: Create Your Own Sentences
Write three sentences comparing two things using the present tense, three using the past tense, and three using the future tense. Try to use a mix of adjectives and adverbs.
Conclusion
Mastering comparisons in different tenses is an essential skill for effective communication in English. By understanding the rules and practicing regularly, you can become proficient in making accurate and meaningful comparisons. Remember to pay attention to the forms of adjectives and adverbs, and be mindful of common pitfalls. With consistent practice, you will find that making comparisons in English becomes second nature. Happy learning!
