The comparative form of the adjective “valuable” is “more valuable” or “less valuable,” as explained by COMPARE.EDU.VN. We use comparative adjectives to compare two things, highlighting which one possesses a greater or lesser degree of the quality described by the adjective. Exploring adjective comparison and superlative adjectives will improve decision-making skills.
1. Understanding Comparative Adjectives
Comparative adjectives are used to compare two nouns or pronouns, indicating which one has a greater or lesser degree of a particular quality. They are essential for making comparisons and expressing differences between items or concepts.
1.1. What are Adjectives?
Adjectives are words that describe or modify nouns, providing more information about their qualities or characteristics. They add detail and specificity to our language, allowing us to paint a clearer picture of the things we are discussing.
1.2. What is the Comparative Form?
The comparative form of an adjective is used to compare two things. It shows which of the two has more or less of a particular quality. For most adjectives, this is done by adding “-er” to the end of the word or by using “more” before the adjective.
2. Forming Comparative Adjectives
The rules for forming comparative adjectives depend on the number of syllables in the adjective. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
2.1. One-Syllable Adjectives
For most one-syllable adjectives, add “-er” to the end of the word.
Examples:
- Tall: taller
- Short: shorter
- Fast: faster
- Old: older
- Strong: stronger
- Weak: weaker
- Bright: brighter
- Dark: darker
- Hard: harder
- Soft: softer
2.1.1. Exceptions
If the one-syllable adjective ends in a consonant-vowel-consonant pattern, double the last consonant before adding “-er.” However, if the last consonant is “w,” follow the regular rule.
Examples:
- Big: bigger
- Fat: fatter
- Hot: hotter
- Sad: sadder
- Thin: thinner
- Wet: wetter
- Dim: dimmer
- Fit: fitter
- Flat: flatter
- Few: fewer
2.2. Two-Syllable Adjectives
For two-syllable adjectives, the rules vary. Some take “-er,” while others use “more.”
2.2.1. Adjectives Ending in “-y”
If the two-syllable adjective ends in “-y,” change the “y” to “i” and add “-er.”
Examples:
- Happy: happier
- Easy: easier
- Busy: busier
- Funny: funnier
- Noisy: noisier
- Heavy: heavier
- Lovely: lovelier
- Silly: sillier
- Crazy: crazier
- Dirty: dirtier
2.2.2. Other Two-Syllable Adjectives
For other two-syllable adjectives, use “more” before the adjective.
Examples:
- Careful: more careful
- Helpful: more helpful
- Peaceful: more peaceful
- Thoughtful: more thoughtful
- Useful: more useful
- Pleasant: more pleasant
- Gentle: more gentle
- Simple: more simple
- Subtle: more subtle
- Anxious: more anxious
2.3. Three or More Syllable Adjectives
For adjectives with three or more syllables, always use “more” or “less” before the adjective.
Examples:
- Beautiful: more beautiful, less beautiful
- Important: more important, less important
- Expensive: more expensive, less expensive
- Interesting: more interesting, less interesting
- Difficult: more difficult, less difficult
- Wonderful: more wonderful, less wonderful
- Significant: more significant, less significant
- Considerate: more considerate, less considerate
- Intelligent: more intelligent, less intelligent
- Valuable: more valuable, less valuable
3. The Comparative Form of “Valuable”
The adjective “valuable” has three syllables, so the comparative form is “more valuable” or “less valuable.”
3.1. Why “More Valuable” or “Less Valuable”?
Since “valuable” has three syllables, it follows the rule that adjectives with two or more syllables (that do not end with “y”) use “more” or “less” to form the comparative.
3.2. Examples of Using “More Valuable” in Sentences
Here are some sentences illustrating the use of “more valuable”:
- This antique vase is more valuable than the modern one.
- Education is becoming more valuable in today’s job market.
- Experience is often more valuable than theoretical knowledge.
- In real estate, location is more valuable than size.
- A good reputation is more valuable than quick profits.
- Honesty is more valuable than deceit.
- Time is more valuable as we get older.
- Health is more valuable than wealth.
- A strong network is more valuable than individual effort.
- A loyal friend is more valuable than a fair-weather acquaintance.
3.3. Examples of Using “Less Valuable” in Sentences
Here are some sentences illustrating the use of “less valuable”:
- A damaged painting is less valuable than one in perfect condition.
- Outdated technology is becoming less valuable.
- A crowded, noisy location is less valuable for a library.
- A broken promise is less valuable than a kept one.
- Superficial friendships are less valuable than deep connections.
- Ignoring safety protocols makes the operation less valuable.
- Neglecting customer feedback makes the product less valuable.
- A disorganized workspace makes your time less valuable.
- A vague plan is less valuable than a detailed strategy.
- Overpriced items are generally less valuable to consumers.
4. Common Mistakes to Avoid
When using comparative adjectives, it’s important to avoid some common mistakes:
4.1. Using “More” with “-er” Endings
Avoid using “more” with adjectives that already have an “-er” ending.
Incorrect: more taller, more stronger
Correct: taller, stronger
4.2. Irregular Adjectives
Be aware of irregular adjectives that have unique comparative forms.
Incorrect: gooder, badder
Correct: better, worse
4.3. Double Comparatives
Avoid using double comparatives.
Incorrect: more better, more worse
Correct: better, worse
4.4. Misusing “Than”
Always use “than” when making a comparison.
Incorrect: This is better then that.
Correct: This is better than that.
4.5. Incorrect Syllable Counting
Make sure you count syllables correctly to determine whether to use “-er” or “more.”
Incorrect: more happy
Correct: happier
5. The Importance of Comparative Adjectives in Communication
Comparative adjectives are essential for clear and effective communication. They allow us to make nuanced comparisons, express preferences, and provide detailed descriptions.
5.1. Enhancing Clarity
Using comparative adjectives helps avoid ambiguity and ensures that your message is clear and precise.
5.2. Expressing Preferences
Comparative adjectives enable you to express your preferences and opinions effectively.
5.3. Providing Detailed Descriptions
They allow you to provide more detailed and informative descriptions, making your communication more engaging and persuasive.
6. Examples of Comparative Adjectives in Everyday Life
Comparative adjectives are used in various contexts, from simple daily conversations to complex professional discussions.
6.1. Shopping
When shopping, you might compare prices, quality, or features of different products.
- “This phone is more expensive, but it has a better camera.”
- “The cotton shirt is softer than the polyester one.”
6.2. Travel
When planning a trip, you might compare destinations, accommodations, or activities.
- “Paris is more romantic than London.”
- “This hotel is cheaper but the other one has a better location.”
6.3. Education
In education, you might compare courses, professors, or study materials.
- “This course is more challenging than the previous one.”
- “The textbook is more helpful than the online resources.”
6.4. Work
In the workplace, you might compare projects, strategies, or employees.
- “This strategy is more effective than the old one.”
- “John is more experienced than Mary.”
6.5. Relationships
In personal relationships, you might compare experiences, feelings, or qualities.
- “This vacation was more relaxing than the last one.”
- “She is more understanding than he is.”
7. Practice Exercises
To reinforce your understanding of comparative adjectives, try these exercises:
7.1. Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following sentences with the correct comparative form of the adjective in parentheses:
- This book is ________ (interesting) than the one I read last week.
- My car is ________ (old) than yours.
- She is ________ (happy) now that she has a new job.
- The weather today is ________ (cold) than yesterday.
- This problem is ________ (difficult) than I thought.
- Living in the city is ________ (expensive) than living in the country.
- He is ________ (tall) than his brother.
- This coffee is ________ (strong) than the one I usually drink.
- Learning English is ________ (important) for my career.
- This movie is ________ (funny) than the last one we saw.
Answers:
- More interesting
- Older
- Happier
- Colder
- More difficult
- More expensive
- Taller
- Stronger
- More important
- Funnier
7.2. Rewrite the Sentences
Rewrite the following sentences using comparative adjectives:
- The blue car is fast. The red car is faster.
- This house is big. That house is bigger.
- She is intelligent. He is more intelligent.
- The book is interesting. The movie is more interesting.
- My job is stressful. His job is more stressful.
Answers:
- The red car is faster than the blue car.
- That house is bigger than this house.
- He is more intelligent than she is.
- The movie is more interesting than the book.
- His job is more stressful than my job.
8. Advanced Usage of Comparative Adjectives
Beyond basic comparisons, comparative adjectives can be used in more complex ways to express subtle differences and nuances.
8.1. Double Comparatives for Gradual Change
Use double comparatives with “and” to indicate a gradual increase or decrease in a quality.
Examples:
- The weather is getting colder and colder.
- The task is becoming more and more difficult.
- The music grew louder and louder.
- The situation became more and more complicated.
- The crowd got angrier and angrier.
8.2. Using “The” with Comparatives for Parallel Increase
Use “the” with comparatives to show that one quality increases in proportion to another.
Examples:
- The more you study, the smarter you become.
- The harder you work, the more successful you are.
- The faster you drive, the more dangerous it is.
- The more you practice, the better you get.
- The more you save, the richer you become.
8.3. Using “As…As” for Equality
Use “as…as” to indicate that two things are equal in a particular quality.
Examples:
- He is as tall as his brother.
- The movie was as interesting as the book.
- She is as happy as she can be.
- The weather today is as cold as yesterday.
- This problem is as difficult as the last one.
8.4. Using “Not As…As” for Inequality
Use “not as…as” to indicate that one thing is less than another in a particular quality.
Examples:
- He is not as tall as his brother.
- The movie was not as interesting as the book.
- She is not as happy as she used to be.
- The weather today is not as cold as yesterday.
- This problem is not as difficult as I thought.
9. Comparative vs. Superlative Adjectives
It’s important to distinguish between comparative and superlative adjectives. While comparative adjectives compare two things, superlative adjectives compare three or more things.
9.1. Superlative Adjectives
Superlative adjectives indicate the highest or lowest degree of a quality among a group of three or more.
Examples:
- Tallest: He is the tallest person in the class.
- Shortest: She is the shortest person in the group.
- Fastest: This is the fastest car on the market.
- Oldest: That is the oldest building in the city.
- Strongest: He is the strongest athlete on the team.
- Most beautiful: She is the most beautiful woman in the world.
- Least expensive: This is the least expensive option available.
- Most intelligent: He is the most intelligent student in the school.
- Most valuable: This painting is the most valuable item in the collection.
- Least valuable: That old coin is the least valuable thing I own.
9.2. Forming Superlative Adjectives
The rules for forming superlative adjectives are similar to those for comparative adjectives:
- One-Syllable Adjectives: Add “-est” to the end of the word (e.g., tallest, shortest).
- Two-Syllable Adjectives Ending in “-y”: Change the “y” to “i” and add “-est” (e.g., happiest, easiest).
- Other Two-Syllable and Multi-Syllable Adjectives: Use “most” or “least” before the adjective (e.g., most beautiful, least expensive).
9.3. Examples of Superlative Adjectives in Sentences
- Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world.
- This is the easiest way to solve the problem.
- She is the happiest person I know.
- That was the funniest movie I have ever seen.
- He is the most intelligent student in our class.
- This is the most valuable painting in the museum.
- She is the most beautiful woman in the room.
- This is the least expensive option available.
- That was the worst experience of my life.
- He is the best player on the team.
10. Irregular Comparative and Superlative Adjectives
Some adjectives have irregular comparative and superlative forms that do not follow the standard rules.
10.1. Common Irregular Adjectives
Adjective | Comparative | Superlative |
---|---|---|
Good | Better | Best |
Bad | Worse | Worst |
Far | Further/Farther | Furthest/Farthest |
Little | Less | Least |
Much | More | Most |
Many | More | Most |
10.2. Examples of Irregular Adjectives in Sentences
- This is a good book, but that one is better.
- That was the best movie I have ever seen.
- The weather today is bad, but yesterday it was worse.
- This is the worst day of my life.
- The library is far from my house, but the park is further.
- That is the furthest I have ever walked.
- I have little money, but she has less.
- This is the least amount of effort I could put in.
- He has much experience, but she has more.
- She has the most knowledge on this topic.
A chart comparing adjectives, comparative adjectives, and superlative adjectives
11. Tips for Mastering Comparative Adjectives
To improve your skills in using comparative adjectives, consider the following tips:
11.1. Practice Regularly
Consistent practice is key to mastering any language skill. Try to use comparative adjectives in your daily conversations and writing.
11.2. Read Widely
Reading a variety of texts can expose you to different uses of comparative adjectives and help you understand their nuances.
11.3. Listen Actively
Pay attention to how native speakers use comparative adjectives in their speech. This can help you develop a more natural and accurate understanding of their usage.
11.4. Use Online Resources
There are many online resources, such as grammar websites and language learning apps, that can provide additional practice and guidance.
11.5. Get Feedback
Ask a teacher, tutor, or native speaker to review your writing and provide feedback on your use of comparative adjectives.
12. Comparative Adjectives in Professional Writing
In professional writing, the precise use of comparative adjectives can significantly impact the clarity and effectiveness of your communication.
12.1. Reports
In reports, use comparative adjectives to highlight trends, compare data points, and draw meaningful conclusions.
Example: “Sales increased this quarter, making it more successful than the previous one.”
12.2. Proposals
In proposals, use comparative adjectives to emphasize the advantages of your proposed solution over alternatives.
Example: “Our approach is more efficient and less costly than traditional methods.”
12.3. Presentations
In presentations, use comparative adjectives to engage your audience and make your points more persuasive.
Example: “This new technology is faster, more reliable, and easier to use.”
12.4. Marketing Materials
In marketing materials, use comparative adjectives to showcase the unique selling points of your product or service.
Example: “Our product is more durable, more innovative, and more user-friendly than the competition.”
12.5. Legal Documents
In legal documents, use comparative adjectives to ensure precision and avoid ambiguity.
Example: “The terms of this agreement are more favorable to the client than the previous contract.”
13. Understanding Search Intent for “What is the Comparative Form of the Adjective Valuable”
Understanding the search intent behind the query “What Is The Comparative Form Of The Adjective Valuable” helps tailor content to meet user needs effectively. Here are five key search intents:
13.1. Informational Intent
Users want a direct answer to the question. They seek a clear explanation of the comparative form of “valuable,” which is “more valuable” or “less valuable.”
13.2. Educational Intent
Users aim to understand how comparative adjectives are formed in general. They are interested in learning the rules for forming comparative adjectives for different types of adjectives, including those with multiple syllables.
13.3. Grammatical Clarification Intent
Users may be unsure about the grammatical rules that apply to “valuable” and want confirmation that “more valuable” is correct and why other forms are not.
13.4. Usage Example Intent
Users want to see examples of how to use “more valuable” or “less valuable” in sentences to understand the context and application of the comparative form.
13.5. Comparative vs. Superlative Intent
Users might also be interested in understanding the difference between the comparative form (“more valuable”) and the superlative form (“most valuable”) and when to use each.
14. The Role of COMPARE.EDU.VN
COMPARE.EDU.VN provides detailed comparisons and information, including grammatical explanations and usage examples, to help users make informed decisions and improve their understanding of various topics.
14.1. Providing Clear Explanations
COMPARE.EDU.VN offers clear, concise explanations of grammatical concepts, making it easy for users to understand complex rules and apply them effectively.
14.2. Offering Practical Examples
The website provides numerous practical examples to illustrate the usage of comparative adjectives in different contexts, helping users grasp the nuances of the English language.
14.3. Facilitating Informed Decisions
By offering comprehensive comparisons and information, COMPARE.EDU.VN empowers users to make informed decisions in various aspects of their lives, from choosing the right product to improving their communication skills.
15. Conclusion
Understanding and using comparative adjectives correctly is essential for effective communication and decision-making. The comparative form of the adjective “valuable” is “more valuable” or “less valuable,” and this knowledge can help you express comparisons more accurately and persuasively. For more detailed comparisons and information, visit COMPARE.EDU.VN at 333 Comparison Plaza, Choice City, CA 90210, United States, or contact us via WhatsApp at +1 (626) 555-9090. Explore more comparisons and make informed decisions today!
Are you struggling to compare different products, services, or ideas? Do you find it challenging to gather reliable information and make the right choice? Visit COMPARE.EDU.VN today and discover detailed, objective comparisons that simplify your decision-making process. Our comprehensive analyses, expert reviews, and user feedback will help you identify the best option for your needs and budget. Don’t waste time and energy – make smart choices with COMPARE.EDU.VN. Contact us at 333 Comparison Plaza, Choice City, CA 90210, United States. Whatsapp: +1 (626) 555-9090. Website: COMPARE.EDU.VN.
16. FAQs About Comparative Adjectives
16.1. What is a comparative adjective?
A comparative adjective is used to compare two nouns or pronouns, indicating which one has a greater or lesser degree of a particular quality.
16.2. How do you form comparative adjectives?
For one-syllable adjectives, add “-er” to the end. For two-syllable adjectives, use “-er” if the adjective ends in “-y” (changing the “y” to “i”) or use “more” before the adjective. For adjectives with three or more syllables, use “more” or “less” before the adjective.
16.3. What is the comparative form of “valuable”?
The comparative form of “valuable” is “more valuable” or “less valuable.”
16.4. Can you give me some examples of sentences using “more valuable”?
Sure, here are a few:
This antique vase is more valuable than the modern one.
Education is becoming more valuable in today’s job market.
Experience is often more valuable than theoretical knowledge.
16.5. When should I use “more” instead of “-er”?
Use “more” with adjectives that have two or more syllables (and do not end in “-y”) and with all adjectives that have three or more syllables.
16.6. What are irregular comparative adjectives?
Irregular comparative adjectives do not follow the standard rules for forming comparatives. Examples include “good” (better), “bad” (worse), and “far” (farther/further).
16.7. What is the difference between comparative and superlative adjectives?
Comparative adjectives compare two things, while superlative adjectives compare three or more things.
16.8. What are some common mistakes to avoid when using comparative adjectives?
Avoid using “more” with adjectives that already have an “-er” ending, using double comparatives, and misusing “than.”
16.9. How can I improve my skills in using comparative adjectives?
Practice regularly, read widely, listen actively, use online resources, and get feedback on your writing.
16.10. Where can I find more information and comparisons?
Visit COMPARE.EDU.VN for detailed comparisons and information on various topics.
By understanding these key aspects of comparative adjectives, you can enhance your communication skills and make more informed decisions in various contexts. Remember to utilize the resources available at compare.edu.vn to further enrich your knowledge and capabilities.