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:
Scheduling a meeting isn't as easy as that anymore.
To machine the materials is hotter work than other tasks on site.
The upgrade for our guidance system allows us to control details better this year than we did last year.
She thinks that her company is more concerned about forecast errors than her previous employer.
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:
To machine the materials is hotter work than other tasks on site.
This month's financial flowchart is sadder than last quarter's flowchart.
Two Syllable Adjectives Ending in '-y'
Replace then final '-y' with '-ier'.
Example:
The forklift operator is sleepier tonight than he was last night.
Jack is happier to mass-produce this product than he is on boutique production.
Two or More Syllable Adjectives
Place 'more' before the adjective.
Example:
She thinks that her company is more concerned about forecast errors than her previous employer.
She thinks to make the product on request will be more successful than mass production.
Important Exceptions
good - better
bad - worse
fun - more fun
far - farther / further
Example:
This hammer is better to weld than the sicycle.
The production process involved in manufacturing a hanging tag is better this quarter than it was last quarter.
To overproduce in this economy is worse today than it was last year.
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:
Scheduling a meeting isn't as easy as that anymore.
Stocking the factory with everything we need isn't as easy as that.
I'm afraid that the widgets that are in process of completion won't be as profitable as expected.