Comparative Adjectives: Cheaper and More Expensive
Form comparative adjectives and use than, modifiers, and equality structures accurately.
Learning Objective
Comparative Adjectives: Cheaper and More Expensive
Compare people, things, or situations with accurate comparative forms and clear standards of comparison.
Clear Explanation
Short adjectives usually form the comparative with -er; longer adjectives usually use more. Use than to introduce the second term when it needs to be stated.
Form and Structure
adjective-er + than; more + adjective + than
“This route is shorter than the motorway.”
Some two-syllable adjectives allow either pattern, and usage varies: cleverer and more clever are both possible, though preferences differ.
Meaning and Use
Form
Apply spelling changes such as big–bigger and easy–easier.
“The second task is easier.”
Modifiers
Use much, far, a lot, slightly, or a little to show the size of the difference.
“This option is slightly cheaper.”
Equality
Use as + adjective + as when two things are equal on a scale.
“The train is as fast as the coach.”
Common Errors and Meaning Traps
This course is more easier.
This course is easier.
Do not combine more with an -er comparative.
My bag is heavier that yours.
My bag is heavier than yours.
Use than to introduce the comparison.
The result is very better.
The result is much better.
Use much, far, or a lot—not very—to modify a comparative.
Guided Practice
Use the grammar in context
“The new system is more reliable.”
“Today is much colder than yesterday.”
Compare two travel options using one short adjective, one long adjective, and one modifier such as much or slightly.
Quick Recap
Short adjectives usually form the comparative with -er; longer adjectives usually use more. Use than to introduce the second term when it needs to be stated.
Apply spelling changes such as big–bigger and easy–easier.
Some two-syllable adjectives allow either pattern, and usage varies: cleverer and more clever are both possible, though preferences differ.
Do not combine more with an -er comparative.
Independent Mastery Check
Complete these four checks before taking the quiz. If one feels difficult, return to the matching section and try again.
Explain the core rule in your own words without looking back at the lesson.
Find the target form in “This route is shorter than the motorway.” and explain what it communicates in this context.
Explain why “This course is easier.” is the recommended revision for “This course is more easier.”.
Compare two travel options using one short adjective, one long adjective, and one modifier such as much or slightly.
Continue at B1-B2 Level
Aim for at least 5 out of 6 in the quiz below. For every missed answer, read the explanation, return to the relevant section, and try the quiz again.
Which statement best explains Comparative Adjectives: Cheaper and More Expensive?
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