Use the plus a comparative, the plus a comparative to link two increasing or decreasing qualities in parallel, as in the more you practice, the better you become at public speaking. Use much, far, or a lot before a comparative for a big difference, and slightly or a bit for a small one.
Grammar Rule
The + comparative, the + comparative links two increasing or decreasing qualities in parallel; intensifiers before comparatives follow strict rules.
Advanced Comparatives: Rules and Examples
| Structure | Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| the + comparative, the + comparative | parallel increase/decrease | The more you practice, the better you become at public speaking. |
| much / far / a lot + comparative | big difference | This laptop is much faster than the one I bought last year. |
| slightly / a bit + comparative | small difference | The new policy is only slightly different from the previous one. |
Remember: the + comparative, the + comparative (parallel change); much/far/a lot + comparative (big difference); slightly/a bit + comparative (small difference).
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using advanced comparative structures correctly. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
Advanced Comparatives
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you express parallel increase or decrease?
Use the plus a comparative, the plus a comparative, as in the more you practice, the better you become at public speaking.
How do you express a big difference with a comparative?
Use much, far, or a lot before the comparative, as in this laptop is much faster than the one I bought last year.
How do you express a small difference with a comparative?
Use slightly or a bit before the comparative, as in the new policy is only slightly different from the previous one.
Can you use very before a comparative?
No, very is not used directly before a comparative; use much, far, a lot, slightly, or a bit instead.