Comparing People, Places and Things
Comparative
Use the comparative to form a comparison between two people, places, things, etc. The comparative form expresses that one object has more of a characteristic than the other. Begin the sentence with the first object followed by the use of 'than' for the second object.
Example:
We are happier to serve this payee than one from New York.
The budget for 2009 aims to widen the tax base in a more effective manner than earlier years.
The economy is more of a bull market this year than last.
The gold standard makes money more stable.
The comparative adjective form is determined by the number of syllables in the adjective. The general rule is that all adjectives that have one syllable add '-er'. Adjectives with three syllables or more take 'more + adjective'. The following explanation provides examples and exceptions to these rules.
One Syllable Adjectives
Add '-er' to the end of the adjective (Note: double the final consonant if preceded by a vowel).
Example:
The gross profits are lower this month
We are paying back the bank loan faster than required.
Two Syllable Adjectives Ending in '-y'
Replace then final '-y' with '-ier'.
Example:
Jack is happier this week than last week because of the accrued liability.
We are happier to serve this payee than one from New York.
Two or More Syllable Adjectives
Place 'more' before the adjective.
Example:
The gold standard makes money more stable.
She thinks that the company is more dedicated to cash collateral than customers.
Important Exceptions
good - better
bad - worse
fun - more fun
far - farther / further
Example:
Tim's financial statement looks better every time he gets it.
His stocks always perform better in a bull market than mine.
There are better opportunities for capital goods this week than last.
As ... as
The form 'as as + adjective + as' expresses the fact that the characteristic is the same in each object. The negative form 'isn't / aren't as + adjective + as' can be used instead of the comparative. The adjective is not altered in this form.
Example:
Overdraft protection is not as much of an advantage as banks would have you think.
While I'll admit it's helpful, overdraft protection isn't as good as avoiding overdrafts in the first place.
The return on investment is as high as promised.