Double comparatives & modifying comparatives

Rules

• Rule 1: the …, the …

  When two things change together, put the + comparative in both halves. Use statement order after it.

  Pattern: the + comparative + subject + verb, the + comparative + subject + verb

  Example: The older she gets, the more she helps at home.

  Example: The less you sleep, the more tired you feel.

• Rule 2: short fixed phrases

  Some phrases have no verb at all: The sooner, the better. The more, the merrier.

  Example: When should we start? — The sooner, the better.

  Example: Can my cousin come too? — Sure, the more, the merrier!

• Rule 3: a change that keeps going

  Repeat the comparative. Short adjectives: -er and -er. Long adjectives: more and more + adjective.

  Pattern: -er and -er · more and more + adjective · less and less

  Example: The cookies got smaller and smaller.

  Example: The story became more and more mysterious.

• Rule 4: much, far, a bit, slightly…

  Big difference: much / far / a lot / even + comparative. Small difference: a bit / a little / slightly + comparative. Never use very with a comparative!

  Example: A plane is much faster than a train.

  Example: This box is slightly heavier than that one.

Common mistakes

• This is very better. → This is much better.

  Use much, not very, with comparatives.

• More you practice, better you get. → The more you practice, the better you get.

  Both halves need the.

• It's getting more and more cold. → It's getting colder and colder.

  Short adjective: -er and -er.