Problems With Comparatives (5): Adjective Comparatives.

(An essay test is [more difficult] [than] an objective test)

- An essay test is
- (more adjective): more difficult
- (than): than
- an objective test

(An essay test is [hader] [than] an objective test)

- An essay test is
- (adjective -er): harder
- (than): than
- an objective test

Remember that two- and three-syllable adjectives adjectives form the comparative by using (more) before the adjective form. One-syllable adjectives form the comparative by using (-er) after the adjective form. Two-syllable adjectives which end in (y) form the comparative by changing the (y) to (i) and adding (-er).

Avoid using (as) or (that) instead of (than). Avoid using both (more) and an (-er) form with the same adjective.

Examples:

Incorrect: She is (more prettier than) her sister.
Correct: She is (prettier than) her sister.

Incorrect: The results of the second experiment are even (better as) the results of the first one.
Correct: The results of the second experiment are even (better than) the results of the first one.

Incorrect: This room is (more spacious as) the other one.
Correct: This room is (more spacious than) the other one.

Incorrect: The bill which we received was (more higher than) the estimate.
Correct: The bill which we received was (higher than) the estimate.

Incorrect: If you had not been in such a hurry, you would have been able to do it (more better).
Correct: If you had not been in such a hurry, you would have been able to do it (better).