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Comparative Clauses

Learn how to use comparative clauses to compare two things. Understand structures like This book is as interesting as that one.

What Are Comparative Clauses?

Comparative clauses are used to compare two things in terms of similarity or difference. They often use structures like 'as...as' or 'than'.

Why Is This Important?

Using comparative clauses correctly helps make comparisons clearer and improves accuracy in speech and writing.

How to Form Comparative Clauses

Comparative clauses can be formed in different ways depending on what you are comparing. The most common structures are:
- as + adjective/adverb + as (for equal comparison)
- comparative adjective/adverb + than (for unequal comparison)

Common Examples

This test is as difficult as the last one.
Today is hotter than yesterday.

Key Points

  • Use 'as + adjective/adverb + as' to show equality
    • This book is as interesting as that one.
    • She sings as beautifully as her sister.
  • Use 'comparative + than' to show difference
    • He is taller than his brother.
    • She runs faster than me.
  • Use 'not as...as' for negative comparisons
    • This movie is not as exciting as the book.
    • She is not as confident as her friend.
  • Use 'the same as' to compare two things that are identical
    • His phone is the same as mine.
    • The results are the same as last year’s.

Rules for Using Comparative Clauses

  • Use 'as + adjective/adverb + as' to show similarity

    • This exam is as hard as the previous one.
    • She sings as well as her teacher.
    • The movie was as funny as the trailer.

  • Use 'comparative + than' to show difference

    • This house is larger than that one.
    • He runs faster than his opponent.
    • The new system works better than the old one.

  • Use 'not as + adjective/adverb + as' for weaker comparisons

    • This car is not as fast as my old one.
    • She is not as confident as her sister.
    • The weather is not as cold as last winter.

  • Special Cases & Exceptions:

    Some adjectives and adverbs have irregular comparative forms.

  • Do not use 'more' with adjectives that already have a comparative form.

    • Incorrect: This book is more better than that one.
    • Correct: This book is better than that one.

  • Use 'the same as' instead of 'as same as'.

    • Incorrect: My car is as same as yours.
    • Correct: My car is the same as yours.
ExampleTenseUse
This book is as interesting as that one.Comparative ClauseEqual comparison
She runs faster than me.Comparative ClauseUnequal comparison
This movie is not as exciting as the book.Comparative ClauseNegative comparison
His phone is the same as mine.Comparative ClauseShowing identical qualities

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with the creators of these videos. These are publicly available resources used to provide additional information on the topic.