Comparative Constructions and Extreme Adjectives

• more (+ clause) ... less (+ clause)

The more you sleep, the less you do.

Other combinations of These patterns are possible.

Examples:

"The harder Joe worked, the more he earned."

"The more he ate, the fatter he got."

NOTES

A. Neither of the two Clauses in the + comparative + the sentences makes sense without the other.

B. In writing, a comma Is used to separate the two clauses.

C. Both clauses need a Verb.

D. In some expressions With better, no verbs are needed.

Jim: When shall I come round to see you?

Tim: The Sooner, the better.

Other comparative Constructions

1- as...As

This construction can Be used with adjectives or adverbs to make comparisons between two things or People.

"I’m As tall as my brother."

"Trains Don’t travel as fast as planes."

In negative sentences So can be used instead of the first as.

"Cats aren’t so friendly as dogs."

2- Comparative + and + comparative

This construction can Be used with adjectives or adverbs to refer to a trend.

"Towards the end of the film, I became more and more Frightened."

"As The exams approached, I worked harder and harder."

"Over The last twenty years, televisions have become less and less expensive. "

3- Extreme adjectives

Ordinary         Extreme

cold                freezing

angry              furious

hungry           starving

Most adjectives can be Used with very or really and in the comparative form with even For emphasis.

"Yesterday was very / really cold, but today is even colder."

NOTE

really is more informal than very.

Extreme adjectives Cannot be preceded by very or in the Comparative by even. If you want to emphasize them, you must use absolutely or really.

"I was absolutely / really furious."

NOTE

You cannot use absolutely with ordinary adjectives.

"Today Is absolutely freezing."