Comparison

Comparison C1

MODIFYING COMPARISONS

We use far, (very) much , somewhat , and a good/great deal before comparative adjectives or adverbs to express a moderate to big difference

Example:

This hotel is far more expensive than the last one we stayed.

He runs a good deal faster than I do.

Phill studied a good deal less than John.

WAY / A LOT

These modifiers are more informal, we avoid them in formal speech or writing.

Use CONSIDERABLY / GREAT DEAL instead.

She´s way smarter! INF.

She´s a great deal more intelligent. FOR

Dan looks a lot older. INF

Dan looks considerably older. FOR

SLIGHTLY / A LITTLE / A BIT

We use slightly and a little before comparative adjectives to express a small difference. We can also use the informal expression: a bit

Example:

Her hair is slightly darker than yours.

My computer is running a bit more quickly this morning.

COMPARISONS WITH NOUS

When we make comparisons with nouns we can express a big difference by adding

*much

*far

*a lot

for uncountable nouns and

*many

*far

*a lot

for countable nouns

Example:

I used to eat much more chocolate when I was younger.

I get a lot more colds these days.

MODIFYING AS..AS COMPARISONS

We modify as...as using:

just

almost

nearly

half

twice

We express a small difference with no quite and a big one with not nearly or nowhere near

You´re just as amart as she is!

When we run, I´m nowhere near as fast as Jack

Double comparatives

The...the to make comparisons. The comparisons may include nouns, adjectives, adverbs or entire clause

Example:

The less work I have, The happier I am.

The more excited she became, The louder she spoke.

PROGRESSIVE COMPARATIVES

We can repeat a comparative adjective or adverbs to emphasize that something is becoming increasingly hard/expensive/quick etc.

It was getting harder and harder to breathe.

She´s driving more and more dangerously.