Comparative degree

Definition

The comparative degree is a form of adjectives and adverbs used to compare two entities, indicating that one has more or less of a particular quality than the other. This degree plays a crucial role in expressing differences in characteristics or actions, often formed by adding '-er' for adjectives or 'more' for adverbs. It's essential for making comparisons clear and meaningful in language.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Comparative degree can be formed for one-syllable adjectives by adding '-er', such as 'taller' from 'tall'.
2. For adjectives with two syllables, comparatives can either use '-er' or the word 'more', like 'happier' or 'more joyful'.
3. Adverbs are also subject to comparison; for example, 'faster' is the comparative form of 'fast'.
4. When using the comparative degree, it's common to include the conjunction 'than' to clarify what is being compared.
5. Some adjectives and adverbs are irregular and do not follow standard rules; for example, 'good' becomes 'better' and 'bad' becomes 'worse'.

Review Questions

• How is the comparative degree formed for one-syllable adjectives and what is an example?
  • The comparative degree for one-syllable adjectives is typically formed by adding '-er' to the end of the adjective. For example, 'tall' becomes 'taller' when comparing two objects, such as 'John is taller than Mike.' This transformation makes it easy to express differences in height directly.
• What role does the conjunction 'than' play when using the comparative degree, and how does it enhance clarity in comparisons?
  • 'Than' is crucial when using the comparative degree because it explicitly indicates what is being compared. For instance, in the phrase 'She is smarter than her brother,' 'than' helps the reader understand that a comparison is being made between two individuals regarding intelligence. This conjunction ensures that comparisons are clear and direct, eliminating any ambiguity about the relationship between the entities.
• Evaluate the importance of understanding irregular forms in comparative degrees and how they affect language comprehension.
  • Understanding irregular forms in comparative degrees is essential because these forms do not follow standard grammatical rules, which can lead to confusion if misused. For example, knowing that 'good' changes to 'better' rather than following typical patterns helps prevent errors in speech and writing. This knowledge enhances overall language comprehension and fluency, allowing speakers and writers to communicate comparisons effectively and accurately.

Related terms

Superlative Degree: A form used to indicate that something has the highest or lowest degree of a quality among three or more entities, often formed by adding '-est' for adjectives or 'most' for adverbs.

Positive Degree: The basic form of an adjective or adverb that describes a quality without making any comparisons, serving as the starting point for forming comparative and superlative degrees.

Adjective: A word that describes or modifies a noun, often used to express qualities such as size, color, or emotion.