Comparatives

Adjectives

Comparative Adjectives/Adverbs are used to make a comparison between two things, people or actions, expressing the equalities or inequalities between them. {see Comparatives, A1 Level}

Comparative of Equality (as…as/clause).

We usually find this structure in its three forms:

Affirmative

The Comparative of Equality in its Affirmative form has this structure:
Subject + verb + as + adjective/adverb + as + object;
Subject + verb + as + adjective/adverb + noun + as + object.

Negative

The Comparative of Equality in its Negative form has this structure:
Subject + verb + not + as + adjective/adverb + as + object;
Subject + verb + not + as + adjective/adverb + noun + as + object.

Interrogative

The Comparative of Equality in its Interrogative form has this structure:
Verb + subject + as + adjective/adverb + as + object + …?
Verb + subject + as + adjective/adverb + noun + as + object + …?

  1. Identical things
    • This box of biscuits is as big as mine.
    • This restaurant makes as good food as my mom.
  2. Different things
    • A kilo of potatoes is not as expensive as a kilo of steaks.
    • I have as cold champagne as you.
  3. Asking information about equality/inequality
    • Is this box of biscuits as big as mine?
    • Have I as cold champagne as you?

We use the Comparative of Equality (as…as/clause) to make comparisons:

  1. Talk about identical things (Affirmative);
  2. Talk about different things (Negative);
  3. Ask information about equality/inequality (Interrogative).

When we wish to highlight the equality or inequality between two things, people or actions, we use the Comparative of Equality (or the as…as/clause) and Comparative Adjectives.

  • Affirmative:
    Subject + verb + as + adjective/adverb + as + object;
    Subject + verb + as + adjective/adverb + noun + as + object;
  • Negative:
    Subject + verb + not + as + adjective/adverb + as + object;
    Subject + verb + not + as + adjective/adverb + noun + as + object;
  • Interrogative:
    Verb + subject + as + adjective/adverb + as + object + …?
    Verb + subject + as + adjective/adverb + noun + as + object + …?

For example:
— “My doll is as lovely as yours.” = It declares an equality between two things.
— “I am not as beautiful as you are.” = It declares an inequality between two subjects.

Let’s revise this content within the [Form] section. Take a look at the [Example] section that shows its use within a context.