Comparative adjectives are essential for showing differences between objects, but can they be used with “as compared to”? COMPARE.EDU.VN helps clarify this and related questions, offering detailed explanations and examples. Understanding the correct usage ensures clarity and precision in your writing and communication, avoiding common grammatical pitfalls and enhancing your overall language proficiency.
1. What is a Comparative Adjective and How Is It Used?
Comparative adjectives highlight differences between two nouns. They follow a specific structure: Noun (subject) + verb + comparative adjective + than + noun (object). This structure allows for a clear comparison, showing which noun possesses more of a particular quality.
For example:
- “My car is faster than yours.”
- “This book is more interesting than the last one I read.”
- “She is taller than her sister.”
The word “than” is crucial in these sentences as it introduces the second item being compared. Without “than,” the comparison is incomplete.
2. Understanding “As Compared To”: A Closer Look
The phrase “as compared to” is used to introduce a comparison, often highlighting similarities or differences. It’s typically used to provide context or perspective by contrasting one thing with another. However, it’s essential to use it correctly to avoid redundancy or awkward phrasing.
For example:
- “The cost of living here is high, as compared to my hometown.”
- “His performance was excellent, as compared to his previous efforts.”
- “The new model is more efficient, as compared to the older version.”
3. Can Comparative Adjectives Be Used With “As Compared To”?
Yes, comparative adjectives can be used with “as compared to,” but it’s important to avoid redundancy. The phrase “as compared to” already implies a comparison, so adding “than” after the comparative adjective can make the sentence awkward and grammatically incorrect.
For example, instead of saying:
- Incorrect: “This car is faster as compared to that car.”
You should say:
- Correct: “This car is faster than that car.”
Or:
- Correct: “This car is fast, as compared to that car.”
The key is to choose the most concise and clear way to express the comparison.
4. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Comparative Adjectives
Several common mistakes can occur when using comparative adjectives. Avoiding these pitfalls will improve the clarity and accuracy of your writing.
4.1. Double Comparatives
A double comparative happens when you use both “more” and “-er” to form a comparative adjective. This is grammatically incorrect.
- Incorrect: “This book is more interestinger than that one.”
- Correct: “This book is more interesting than that one.”
- Correct: “This book is more interesting than that one.”
4.2. Incorrect Use of “Than” and “Then”
“Than” is used for comparisons, while “then” is used to indicate time or sequence. Mixing these up is a common error.
- Incorrect: “She is taller then her brother.”
- Correct: “She is taller than her brother.”
4.3. Misusing Irregular Adjectives
Some adjectives have irregular comparative and superlative forms (e.g., good, better, best). Using regular endings with these adjectives is incorrect.
- Incorrect: “He is gooder than me at tennis.”
- Correct: “He is better than me at tennis.”
4.4. Not Being Clear About What Is Being Compared
Ensure that the items being compared are clearly identified in the sentence. Ambiguity can confuse the reader.
- Unclear: “This car is faster.” (Faster than what?)
- Clear: “This car is faster than the previous model.”
5. When to Use “As Compared To” Instead of “Than”
While “than” is typically used with comparative adjectives, “as compared to” is more appropriate when you want to provide a broader context or perspective. It’s often used to set up a comparison rather than directly compare two specific nouns.
Consider these examples:
- “The company’s profits are up, as compared to last year.” (Here, “as compared to” provides context.)
- “The new policy is more effective than the old one.” (Here, “than” directly compares two policies.)
“As compared to” can also be used to emphasize the degree of difference or similarity:
- “The situation is stable, as compared to the chaos we experienced last month.”
6. How to Form Comparative Adjectives Correctly
The formation of comparative adjectives depends on the number of syllables in the original adjective. Understanding these rules will help you form comparative adjectives accurately.
6.1. One-Syllable Adjectives
Add “-er” to the end of the adjective. If the adjective ends in a consonant-vowel-consonant pattern, double the final consonant.
- Tall -> Taller
- Fat -> Fatter
- Big -> Bigger
- Sad -> Sadder
6.2. Two-Syllable Adjectives
For many two-syllable adjectives, you can either add “-er” or use “more” before the adjective. However, adjectives ending in “-y” usually change the “y” to “i” and add “-er.”
- Happy -> Happier
- Simple -> Simpler
- Busy -> Busier
- Tilted -> More tilted
- Tangled -> More tangled
6.3. Three or More Syllable Adjectives
Use “more” before the adjective.
- Important -> More important
- Expensive -> More expensive
- Beautiful -> More beautiful
- Difficult -> More difficult
7. Examples of Correct Usage
To further illustrate the correct usage, here are several examples of comparative adjectives used with and without “as compared to.”
7.1. Using Comparative Adjectives with “Than”
- “She is more confident than she used to be.”
- “This phone is lighter than my old one.”
- “The movie was more exciting than I expected.”
- “Our team is stronger than theirs.”
- “The coffee is hotter than usual.”
7.2. Using “As Compared To” to Provide Context
- “The economy is stable, as compared to the recession last year.”
- “The project is on schedule, as compared to previous delays.”
- “Her health has improved, as compared to her condition last month.”
- “The city is quiet, as compared to the bustling capital.”
- “The results are promising, as compared to the initial findings.”
8. Advanced Usage and Nuances
Beyond the basic rules, there are more advanced ways to use comparative adjectives and “as compared to” to add depth and sophistication to your writing.
8.1. Using “As” with Comparative Adjectives
You can use “as” with comparative adjectives to show a proportional increase or decrease. This construction is often used to describe trends or relationships.
- “The more you practice, the better you become.”
- “The faster you drive, the more dangerous it is.”
- “The longer you wait, the more complicated it gets.”
- “The earlier you arrive, the more time you have.”
- “The less you worry, the happier you will be.”
8.2. Using “As Compared To” to Soften a Comparison
“As compared to” can be used to soften a comparison, making it less direct or confrontational. This is useful when you want to highlight differences without being overly critical.
- “The service was adequate, as compared to the excellent service we usually receive.”
- “The results were acceptable, as compared to the disappointing outcomes of the previous trial.”
- “The progress is slow, as compared to the rapid advancements we had hoped for.”
8.3. Using Comparative Adjectives to Imply Superiority
Comparative adjectives can be used to subtly imply superiority or preference. This is often used in marketing or persuasive writing.
- “Our product is designed to be more efficient and reliable than the competition.”
- “Our services are more personalized and attentive than those of our rivals.”
- “Our approach is more innovative and forward-thinking than traditional methods.”
9. Comparative and Superlative Adjectives: A Quick Review
While this article focuses on comparative adjectives, it’s helpful to briefly review superlative adjectives as well. Superlative adjectives describe an object at the highest or lowest limit of a quality.
The structure for superlative adjectives is: Noun (subject) + verb + the + superlative adjective + noun (object).
For example:
- “My house is the largest one in the neighborhood.”
- “This is the smallest box I have ever seen.”
- “She is the tallest girl in her class.”
10. Testing Your Knowledge: Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding, try these practice exercises. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the adjective.
- This car is ___ (fast) than my old one.
- She is ___ (happy) now than she was last year.
- This book is ___ (interesting) than the movie.
- He is ___ (tall) than his brother.
- The weather is ___ (good) today than it was yesterday.
- Our team is ___ (strong) than theirs.
- The coffee is ___ (hot) than usual.
- The price is ___ (expensive) than I thought.
- The task is ___ (difficult) than it seems.
- She is ___ (confident) now than she used to be.
Answers:
- Faster
- Happier
- More interesting
- Taller
- Better
- Stronger
- Hotter
- More expensive
- More difficult
- More confident
11. Additional Resources for Further Learning
For further learning, consider these resources:
- Grammar textbooks: Consult grammar textbooks for detailed explanations and examples.
- Online grammar guides: Websites like Grammarly and Purdue OWL offer comprehensive grammar resources.
- Language learning apps: Apps like Duolingo and Babbel can help reinforce your understanding of comparative adjectives.
- Writing workshops: Participate in writing workshops to receive feedback and improve your writing skills.
12. Real-World Applications
Understanding comparative adjectives is crucial in various real-world scenarios. Here are a few examples:
12.1. Business and Marketing
In business and marketing, comparative adjectives are used to highlight the advantages of products or services. For example:
- “Our software is more user-friendly than our competitors’.”
- “Our services are more cost-effective than traditional solutions.”
- “Our products are designed to be more durable and reliable.”
12.2. Academic Writing
In academic writing, comparative adjectives are used to analyze and compare different theories, methods, or findings. For example:
- “This study provides more comprehensive results than previous research.”
- “The new method is more efficient than the traditional approach.”
- “The findings are more significant than initially anticipated.”
12.3. Everyday Communication
In everyday communication, comparative adjectives are used to express preferences, opinions, and comparisons. For example:
- “I prefer coffee to tea.”
- “I find math more challenging than English.”
- “This movie is more exciting than the last one we watched.”
13. Conclusion: Mastering Comparative Adjectives
Mastering comparative adjectives and their correct usage with phrases like “as compared to” is essential for clear and effective communication. By understanding the rules and avoiding common mistakes, you can express comparisons accurately and confidently. Remember that COMPARE.EDU.VN is here to provide you with detailed comparisons and information to help you make informed decisions.
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15. FAQs About Comparative Adjectives and “As Compared To”
15.1. Can “as compared to” always replace “than”?
No, “as compared to” cannot always replace “than.” “Than” is used for direct comparisons between two nouns, while “as compared to” is used to provide context or perspective.
15.2. Is it redundant to use “more better” in a sentence?
Yes, using “more better” is redundant. “Better” is already the comparative form of “good.”
15.3. How do I know when to use “-er” or “more” for two-syllable adjectives?
For two-syllable adjectives, use “-er” if the adjective ends in “-y,” “-ow,” “-er,” or “-le.” Otherwise, use “more.” When in doubt, it’s often safer to use “more.”
15.4. What are some examples of irregular comparative adjectives?
Some examples of irregular comparative adjectives include “good” (better), “bad” (worse), and “far” (farther/further).
15.5. Can I use comparative adjectives with adverbs?
Yes, you can use comparative adjectives with adverbs. For example, “He runs faster than she does.”
15.6. How do I use comparative adjectives in formal writing?
In formal writing, ensure that your comparisons are clear, precise, and well-supported. Avoid using informal language or slang.
15.7. What is the difference between “farther” and “further”?
“Farther” is typically used for physical distance, while “further” is used for metaphorical or abstract distance. However, the distinction is becoming less strict, and “further” is often used in both contexts.
15.8. How do I use comparative adjectives to show a decrease?
To show a decrease, use “less” before the adjective. For example, “This car is less expensive than that one.”
15.9. Can I use “as compared with” instead of “as compared to”?
Yes, “as compared with” is an acceptable alternative to “as compared to.” Both phrases are used to introduce a comparison.
15.10. Where can I find more examples of comparative adjectives in use?
You can find more examples of comparative adjectives in use by reading books, articles, and other written materials. Pay attention to how authors use comparisons to convey meaning and add depth to their writing.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you can master the use of comparative adjectives and enhance your communication skills. Remember to visit compare.edu.vn for more helpful resources and comparisons.
