Comparative and superlative structures
Basic forms
more, most
We use more or most before nouns, adverbs, two-syllable adjectives ending in -ful, -less and -ing, two-syllable adjectives where the second syllable is stressed, and longer adjectives.
– I earn more money than she does.
– She works more effectively than anyone I know.
– She is the most useful member of the team.
– He is one of the most misunderstood artists of the twentieth century.
-er, -est
We add -er and -est to one-syllable adjectives and two-syllable adjectives where the second syllable is unstressed.
– It’s hotter than it used to be.
– She’s a lot funnier than her brother.
as + … + as
To compare two things we can also use the structure as + adjective/adverb + as.
– I don’t go out as often as I’d like to.
Intensifying comparative forms
To intensify comparative forms we can use the following expressions:
– I earn considerably/a great deal/much/a lot more now than I did ten years ago.
– I see loads/tons more people than I used to. (informal)
– I think the questions are getting more and more difficult.
– The Plaza Hotel is slightly/a bit/rather more expensive, but it’s worth it.
– There haven’t been half as many/nothing like as many complaints since Glyn became boss.