What Is The Comparative Of Ill? A Comprehensive Guide

The comparative of ill is “worse,” as explored in detail on compare.edu.vn, focusing on comparative and superlative adjective usage. This guide helps you understand when and how to use “worse” correctly, providing clarity for effective communication and decision-making. Enhance your linguistic skills with our comparative analysis.

1. What Is The Comparative Form Of “Ill”?

The comparative form of “ill” is “worse.” This form is used to compare the state of being unwell between two subjects. “Worse” indicates a greater degree of illness compared to another state or person. Understanding this distinction is crucial for using the term correctly in various contexts.

2. What Are Comparative Adjectives And How Do They Work?

Comparative adjectives are used to compare two nouns, showing which has more of a particular quality. They are formed by adding “-er” to the end of the adjective (if it’s a one-syllable adjective) or by placing “more” before the adjective (if it’s a longer adjective). In the case of “ill,” it’s an irregular adjective, so its comparative form is “worse.”
Comparative adjectives can be used to make purchasing decisions, Compare product A and product B.

• Function: Highlight differences between two items or subjects.
• Formation: Typically involves adding “-er” or using “more,” but some adjectives, like “ill,” have irregular forms.
• Examples: “This phone is faster than the old one,” “She is more intelligent than her brother.”

3. How Do You Use “Worse” In A Sentence?

To use “worse” correctly in a sentence, you should use it to compare two different states or conditions of being ill. Here are some examples:

• “My headache is worse today than it was yesterday.”
• “The traffic was worse than we expected.”
• “His financial situation is worse after the investment.”

4. What Is The Superlative Form Of “Ill”?

The superlative form of “ill” is “worst.” Superlative adjectives are used to compare three or more things, indicating the one that has the most of a particular quality. “Worst” indicates the highest degree of being unwell.

5. How Do You Use “Worst” In A Sentence?

Using “worst” correctly involves indicating the highest degree of a negative condition among three or more options or states. Here are some examples:

• “That was the worst movie I’ve ever seen.”
• “This is the worst day of my life.”
• “Among all the candidates, he had the worst qualifications.”

6. Can You Provide Examples Of Comparative And Superlative Adjectives?

Here are some examples of comparative and superlative adjectives:

Adjective	Comparative	Superlative
Tall	Taller	Tallest
Short	Shorter	Shortest
Big	Bigger	Biggest
Small	Smaller	Smallest
Good	Better	Best
Bad	Worse	Worst
Happy	Happier	Happiest
Sad	Sadder	Saddest

7. What Are Irregular Adjectives?

Irregular adjectives are those that don’t follow the standard rules for forming comparative and superlative forms (adding “-er”/”-est” or “more”/”most”). Instead, they have unique forms. Some common irregular adjectives include:

• Good: better, best
• Bad: worse, worst
• Far: farther/further, farthest/furthest
• Little: less, least
• Much/Many: more, most

8. Why Is It Important To Use The Correct Comparative And Superlative Forms?

Using the correct comparative and superlative forms is essential for clear and effective communication. Incorrect usage can lead to misunderstandings and confusion. Proper usage ensures that your message is accurately conveyed, whether in writing or speaking.

9. What Are Some Common Mistakes People Make When Using Comparatives And Superlatives?

Common mistakes include:

• Using “more” or “most” with adjectives that should take “-er” or “-est” (e.g., “more taller” instead of “taller”).
• Using “-er” or “-est” with adjectives that require “more” or “most” (e.g., “beautifuller” instead of “more beautiful”).
• Incorrectly using irregular forms (e.g., “gooder” instead of “better”).
• Failing to double the final consonant in one-syllable adjectives ending in a consonant-vowel-consonant pattern (e.g., “sadder” instead of “sadder”).

10. How Can I Improve My Understanding And Usage Of Comparatives And Superlatives?

To improve your understanding and usage:

• Study the rules: Familiarize yourself with the rules for forming comparative and superlative adjectives.
• Practice: Practice writing and speaking using comparative and superlative forms.
• Read: Read extensively to see how these forms are used in context.
• Get feedback: Ask native speakers or language experts to review your usage and provide feedback.
• Use resources: Utilize online resources, textbooks, and language learning apps to reinforce your knowledge.

11. What Is The Role Of “Than” In Comparative Sentences?

The word “than” is used to introduce the second element being compared in a comparative sentence. It sets up the comparison between two nouns. For example:

• “John is taller than Mary.”
• “This car is faster than that one.”
• “Reading books is more enjoyable than watching TV.”

12. How Do You Use “As…As” For Comparisons?

The “as…as” construction is used to show equality between two things. It indicates that two items have the same degree of a particular quality. For example:

• “John is as tall as Mary.”
• “This car is as fast as that one.”
• “Reading books is as enjoyable as watching TV.”

13. Can You Explain The Difference Between “Farther” And “Further”?

“Farther” and “further” are both comparative forms of “far,” but they are used in slightly different contexts:

• Farther: Refers to physical distance. Example: “John walked farther than Mary.”
• Further: Refers to metaphorical or non-physical distance, or to mean “more” or “additional.” Example: “Let’s discuss this further.”

14. What Are Some Useful Tips For Mastering Comparative And Superlative Adjectives?

Here are some tips:

• Memorize irregular forms: Make a list of irregular adjectives and memorize their comparative and superlative forms.
• Practice sentence construction: Create sentences using different comparative and superlative adjectives.
• Pay attention to context: Understand the context in which these forms are used to ensure correct usage.
• Use flashcards: Create flashcards with adjectives on one side and their comparative and superlative forms on the other.
• Listen to native speakers: Pay attention to how native speakers use comparative and superlative adjectives in conversation.

15. How Do You Compare More Than Two Things Using Superlatives?

When comparing more than two things using superlatives, you need to indicate that one item has the highest degree of a particular quality compared to all others in the group. For example:

• “John is the tallest in the class.”
• “This is the fastest car in the race.”
• “Reading is the most enjoyable activity of all.”

16. What Are Some Advanced Uses Of Comparative And Superlative Adjectives?

Advanced uses include:

• Double comparatives: Used to show that one quality increases in proportion to another. Example: “The more you study, the smarter you become.”
• Parallel increase: Using “and” to link two comparatives, showing a continuous increase. Example: “The weather is getting colder and colder.”
• Superlatives with ordinal numbers: Indicating the degree of a quality relative to others of its kind. Example: “It’s the second-largest city in the country.”

17. How Do You Use Comparative And Superlative Adjectives In Formal Writing?

In formal writing, it is crucial to use comparative and superlative adjectives accurately to maintain clarity and precision. Ensure that you are following all the grammatical rules and using the correct forms. Avoid colloquialisms and informal language.

18. Can You Explain The Use Of “Less” And “Least” As Opposites Of Comparatives And Superlatives?

“Less” and “least” are used to indicate a smaller amount of a particular quality. “Less” is the opposite of “more,” and “least” is the opposite of “most.” For example:

• “This car is less expensive than that one.”
• “He is the least qualified candidate.”

19. What Are Some Examples Of Compound Adjectives Used With Comparatives And Superlatives?

Compound adjectives are adjectives made up of two or more words. When forming comparatives and superlatives with compound adjectives, use “more” and “most.” Examples include:

• More well-known
• Most good-looking
• More open-minded
• Most self-sufficient

20. How Do You Avoid Ambiguity When Using Comparatives And Superlatives?

To avoid ambiguity:

• Be clear about what you are comparing: Ensure that the nouns being compared are clearly identified.
• Use “than” and “as…as” correctly: Use these constructions accurately to avoid confusion.
• Provide sufficient context: Offer enough information so that the reader or listener understands the comparison.
• Avoid vague language: Use precise language to make your comparisons clear.

21. What Is The Difference Between Comparative And Superlative Adverbs?

Comparative adverbs compare two actions or describe how something is done in relation to something else, while superlative adverbs indicate the highest degree to which an action is performed.

• Comparative Adverbs: Typically formed by adding “more” before the adverb or “-er” to short adverbs. They are used to compare how two actions are performed.

  • Examples:
    • “She sings more beautifully than her sister.”
    • “He runs faster than I do.”

• Superlative Adverbs: Typically formed by adding “most” before the adverb or “-est” to short adverbs. They are used to indicate the highest degree to which an action is performed.

  • Examples:
    • “She sings the most beautifully in the choir.”
    • “He runs the fastest in the team.”

22. How Do You Form Comparative And Superlative Adverbs?

Forming comparative and superlative adverbs depends on the length and structure of the adverb.

• Short Adverbs (usually one syllable):

  • Comparative: Add “-er” to the end of the adverb.
    • Example: Fast → Faster (“He drives faster than she does.”)
  • Superlative: Add “-est” to the end of the adverb.
    • Example: Fast → Fastest (“He drives the fastest of all.”)

• Long Adverbs (usually two or more syllables):

  • Comparative: Add “more” before the adverb.
    • Example: Beautifully → More beautifully (“She sings more beautifully than her sister.”)
  • Superlative: Add “most” before the adverb.
    • Example: Beautifully → Most beautifully (“She sings the most beautifully in the competition.”)

• Irregular Adverbs:

  • Some adverbs have irregular forms, similar to irregular adjectives.
    • Example: Well → Better (comparative), Best (superlative)
      • “She performed better than expected.”
      • “He performed the best of all the actors.”

23. What Are Some Common Examples Of Comparative Adverbs?

Here are some common examples of comparative adverbs:

• Faster: Indicating a quicker pace or speed.
  • “He runs faster than his brother.”
• Slower: Indicating a less quick pace or speed.
  • “She walks slower than her friend.”
• More Carefully: Indicating greater attention or caution.
  • “He drives more carefully in the rain.”
• More Quietly: Indicating a lower level of noise or sound.
  • “She spoke more quietly so as not to wake the baby.”
• More Easily: Indicating less difficulty.
  • “He solved the problem more easily this time.”
• Earlier: Indicating a time before the present or before another point in time.
  • “I arrived earlier than everyone else.”
• Later: Indicating a time after the present or after another point in time.
  • “She finished the project later than expected.”
• Harder: Indicating greater effort or intensity.
  • “He worked harder to achieve his goals.”

24. What Are Some Common Examples Of Superlative Adverbs?

Here are some common examples of superlative adverbs:

• Fastest: Indicating the quickest pace or speed.
  • “He runs the fastest in the team.”
• Slowest: Indicating the least quick pace or speed.
  • “She walks the slowest of all her friends.”
• Most Carefully: Indicating the greatest attention or caution.
  • “He drives the most carefully in dangerous conditions.”
• Most Quietly: Indicating the lowest level of noise or sound.
  • “She spoke the most quietly so as not to disturb anyone.”
• Most Easily: Indicating the least difficulty.
  • “He solved the puzzle the most easily compared to the others.”
• Earliest: Indicating the time before all others.
  • “I arrived the earliest at the meeting.”
• Latest: Indicating the time after all others.
  • “She finished the project the latest among her colleagues.”
• Hardest: Indicating the greatest effort or intensity.
  • “He worked the hardest to earn the promotion.”

25. How Do You Use Comparative And Superlative Adverbs To Describe Actions?

Using comparative and superlative adverbs helps to describe the degree or manner in which actions are performed, providing a clearer picture of how events occur or how tasks are accomplished.

• Comparative Adverbs: Used to show how one action is performed in relation to another.

  • “She sings more beautifully than her sister does.” (Describes how well she sings compared to her sister.)
  • “He completed the project more efficiently this time.” (Describes the efficiency of his work compared to a previous instance.)

• Superlative Adverbs: Used to show the highest degree to which an action is performed within a group or context.

  • “She sings the most beautifully in the entire choir.” (Describes her singing ability as the best in the choir.)
  • “He completed the project the most efficiently of all the team members.” (Describes his work as the most efficient among his team.)

26. What Are Some Common Mistakes To Avoid When Using Comparative And Superlative Adverbs?

Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Incorrectly Adding “-er” or “-est” to Long Adverbs:
  • Mistake: “She sings beautifuller than her sister.”
  • Correct: “She sings more beautifully than her sister.”
• Using “More” or “Most” with Short Adverbs That Should Take “-er” or “-est”:
  • Mistake: “He runs more fast than I do.”
  • Correct: “He runs faster than I do.”
• Double Comparatives or Superlatives:
  • Mistake: “She sings more beautifullyer than her sister.”
  • Correct: “She sings more beautifully than her sister.”
• Misusing Irregular Adverbs:
  • Mistake: “He performed gooder than expected.”
  • Correct: “He performed better than expected.”
• Incorrect Word Order:
  • Mistake: “Than she sings more beautifully her sister.”
  • Correct: “She sings more beautifully than her sister.”

27. How Can You Improve Your Usage Of Comparative And Superlative Adverbs?

To improve your usage of comparative and superlative adverbs:

• Study the Rules: Understand the rules for forming comparative and superlative adverbs.
• Practice: Write and speak using these adverbs in different contexts.
• Read and Listen: Pay attention to how native speakers use these adverbs in writing and conversation.
• Get Feedback: Ask for corrections on your usage from teachers, native speakers, or language partners.
• Use Resources: Consult grammar books, online courses, and language learning apps to reinforce your understanding.

28. How Do Comparative And Superlative Adjectives And Adverbs Enhance Writing And Speaking?

Comparative and superlative adjectives and adverbs add depth, precision, and expressiveness to both writing and speaking. They enable you to provide detailed descriptions, make nuanced comparisons, and highlight specific qualities or actions.

• Clarity and Precision:

  • They allow for clear and precise comparisons, eliminating ambiguity and ensuring that your message is accurately conveyed.
  • By using comparative and superlative forms, you can specify the degree to which something possesses a certain quality or performs a certain action.

• Descriptive Detail:

  • These forms enhance descriptions by adding layers of detail. Instead of simply stating a fact, you can provide context and perspective.
  • For example, instead of saying “The car is fast,” you can say “The car is faster than most,” which gives the reader a better sense of its speed.

• Engagement:

  • Using comparative and superlative forms can make your writing and speaking more engaging by highlighting differences and extremes.
  • Describing something as “the most exciting” or “more interesting” captures the audience’s attention and emphasizes the unique qualities of the subject.

• Persuasion:

  • Comparative and superlative forms can be powerful tools for persuasion. By highlighting the superior qualities of one option over others, you can influence opinions and decisions.
  • For example, “This product is more effective than the leading brand” is a persuasive statement that encourages the audience to consider the product’s benefits.

• Sophistication:

  • Mastering the use of comparative and superlative forms demonstrates a higher level of language proficiency.
  • It allows you to express complex ideas and make sophisticated comparisons, adding credibility to your communication.

29. What Are Some Exercises To Practice Comparative And Superlative Adverbs?

Here are some exercises to practice using comparative and superlative adverbs:

1. Fill in the Blanks:
Fill in the blanks with the correct comparative or superlative form of the adverb in parentheses.

• She runs ___ (quickly) than her brother.
• He finished the race ___ (fast) of all the competitors.
• Please speak ___ (loudly); I can’t hear you.
• She dances ___ (gracefully) than her partner.
• He works ___ (hard) than anyone else in the office.

2. Sentence Transformation:
Rewrite the sentences using the comparative or superlative form of the adverb.

• Original: She sings well. Her sister sings even better.
  • Rewritten: She sings well, but her sister sings ___.
• Original: He drives carefully. She drives with even more caution.
  • Rewritten: He drives carefully, but she drives ___.
• Original: He speaks quietly. She speaks with the least amount of noise.
  • Rewritten: He speaks quietly, but she speaks ___.
• Original: She works efficiently. He works with greater efficiency.
  • Rewritten: She works efficiently, but he works ___.
• Original: He arrives early. She arrives before everyone else.
  • Rewritten: He arrives early, but she arrives ___.

3. Comparative Writing:
Write sentences comparing two actions using comparative adverbs.

• Compare how two people perform a task (e.g., cooking, writing, painting).
• Compare how two vehicles move (e.g., cars, bikes, trains).
• Compare how two animals behave (e.g., dogs, cats, birds).

4. Superlative Descriptions:
Write sentences describing the best action within a group using superlative adverbs.

• Describe the best way someone performs a job (e.g., teaching, leading, managing).
• Describe the best way someone participates in a sport (e.g., running, swimming, cycling).
• Describe the best way someone communicates (e.g., speaking, writing, presenting).

5. Error Correction:
Identify and correct the errors in the sentences below.

• She sings more beautifullyer than her sister.
• He runs more fast than I do.
• She drives carefuler than he does.
• He speaks the most quieter in the room.
• She works gooder than anyone else.

30. What Are Some Resources For Further Learning About Comparative And Superlative Adverbs?

Here are some resources for further learning about comparative and superlative adverbs:

• Grammar Books:
  • “English Grammar in Use” by Raymond Murphy
  • “The Elements of Style” by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White
  • “Practical English Usage” by Michael Swan
• Online Grammar Websites:
  • Grammarly Handbook (https://www.grammarly.com/blog/)
  • Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab) (https://owl.purdue.edu/)
  • British Council LearnEnglish (https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/)
• Educational Websites:
  • Khan Academy (for grammar lessons)
  • Coursera and edX (for English language courses)
• Language Learning Apps:
  • Duolingo
  • Babbel
  • Memrise
• YouTube Channels:
  • English with Jennifer
  • Learn English with Emma
  • mmmEnglish

By using these resources and practicing consistently, you can enhance your understanding and usage of comparative and superlative adverbs.

Comparative and superlative adjectives list

31. How Do You Express Gradual Increase Or Decrease Using Comparatives?

Expressing a gradual increase or decrease using comparatives involves linking two comparative forms with “and” to show a continuous change in a particular quality. This construction is used to describe progressive changes over time.

• Structure: Adjective/Adverb + “-er and -er” or “more and more + Adjective/Adverb”

• Examples:

  • Temperature: “The weather is getting colder and colder.” (Gradual decrease in temperature)
  • Difficulty: “The task became more and more challenging.” (Gradual increase in difficulty)
  • Distance: “We walked farther and farther into the forest.” (Gradual increase in distance)
  • Excitement: “The crowd grew more and more excited as the concert began.” (Gradual increase in excitement)
  • Anxiety: “She felt more and more anxious as the exam approached.” (Gradual increase in anxiety)
  • Speed: “The car drove faster and faster down the highway.” (Gradual increase in speed)
  • Clarity: “The instructions became clearer and clearer after each explanation.” (Gradual increase in clarity)
  • Complexity: “The project grew more and more complex as we added features.” (Gradual increase in complexity)
  • Tiredness: “He felt more and more tired as the day wore on.” (Gradual increase in tiredness)
  • Interest: “She became more and more interested in the subject as she learned more.” (Gradual increase in interest)

32. How Do You Use Parallel Comparatives To Show A Relationship Between Two Changes?

Parallel comparatives are used to show that a change in one quality is linked to a change in another. This construction typically involves using “the” before both comparative forms to emphasize the interconnectedness of the two changes.

• Structure: “The + comparative, the + comparative”

• Examples:

  • “The more you study, the smarter you become.” (Increase in studying leads to an increase in intelligence)
  • “The harder you work, the more successful you will be.” (Increase in effort leads to an increase in success)
  • “The more you practice, the better you get.” (Increase in practice leads to an increase in skill)
  • “The less you sleep, the more tired you feel.” (Decrease in sleep leads to an increase in tiredness)
  • “The more you save, the richer you become.” (Increase in savings leads to an increase in wealth)
  • “The more you give, the happier you feel.” (Increase in giving leads to an increase in happiness)
  • “The more you read, the more knowledgeable you become.” (Increase in reading leads to an increase in knowledge)
  • “The faster you drive, the more dangerous it is.” (Increase in speed leads to an increase in danger)
  • “The more you learn, the more you realize how little you know.” (Increase in learning leads to an increase in awareness of one’s limitations)
  • “The more people come, the merrier it will be.” (Increase in the number of people leads to an increase in merriment)

33. What Are Some Alternatives To Using “More” And “Most” For Comparisons?

While “more” and “most” are commonly used to form comparative and superlative adverbs and adjectives, there are alternative ways to make comparisons that can add variety and sophistication to your language.

• Using “-er” and “-est” Endings:
  • For many short adjectives and adverbs, adding “-er” for comparative and “-est” for superlative forms is appropriate.
    • Examples:
      • “Fast” becomes “faster” and “fastest.”
      • “Bright” becomes “brighter” and “brightest.”
• Using “Less” and “Least”:
  • To indicate a smaller degree of a quality, use “less” (comparative) and “least” (superlative).
    • Examples:
      • “This option is less expensive than that one.”
      • “He is the least experienced candidate.”
• Using “As…As”:
  • To show equality, use “as…as” constructions.
    • Examples:
      • “She is as talented as her sister.”
      • “The movie was as enjoyable as the book.”
• Using Verbs That Imply Comparison:
  • Certain verbs inherently imply a comparison.
    • Examples:
      • “Exceed”: “His performance exceeded expectations.”
      • “Surpass”: “The company’s profits surpassed last year’s earnings.”
• Using Adjectives That Imply Comparison:
  • Some adjectives inherently suggest a comparison.
    • Examples:
      • “Superior”: “This model is superior to the previous one.”
      • “Inferior”: “The quality of this product is inferior.”
• Using Prepositional Phrases:
  • Prepositional phrases can provide context and comparison.
    • Examples:
      • “In comparison to”: “In comparison to other schools, this one offers more resources.”
      • “Compared with”: “Compared with last year, sales have increased.”
• Using Intensifiers:
  • Intensifiers like “significantly,” “considerably,” and “markedly” can enhance comparisons.
    • Examples:
      • “The results were significantly better this time.”
      • “Her skills have improved considerably.”

34. How Do You Use “Elder” And “Eldest” Correctly?

“Elder” and “eldest” are older forms of “older” and “oldest” and are typically used to refer to people, especially within families. They have more restricted usage than “older” and “oldest.”

• Usage of “Elder”:

  • “Elder” is used as an adjective before a noun to indicate that someone is older, especially within a family or a close group.
    • Example: “He is my elder brother.”
  • It is often used in formal or traditional contexts.
    • Example: “The elder statesman offered his advice.”
  • “Elder” cannot be used predicatively (i.e., after a linking verb like “be”).
    • Incorrect: “He is elder than me.”
    • Correct: “He is older than me.”

• Usage of “Eldest”:

  • “Eldest” is used as an adjective before a noun to indicate the oldest person in a family or group.
    • Example: “She is the eldest daughter.”
  • It is also used in formal or traditional contexts.
    • Example: “The eldest member of the club.”
  • “Eldest” can be used with the possessive form.
    • Example: “My eldest son is graduating this year.”

• Restrictions:

  • “Elder” and “eldest” are generally not used to refer to inanimate objects or abstract concepts.
    • Incorrect: “This is the eldest building in the city.”
    • Correct: “This is the oldest building in the city.”
  • In most modern contexts, “older” and “oldest” are more commonly used.

35. How Do You Handle Exceptions To The Rules Of Comparatives And Superlatives?

Handling exceptions to the rules of comparatives and superlatives involves recognizing irregular forms and understanding specific contexts where standard rules don’t apply.

• Irregular Adjectives and Adverbs:
  • Memorize irregular forms such as “good” (better, best), “bad” (worse, worst), and “far” (farther/further, farthest/furthest).
    • Example: “This is the best movie I’ve ever seen.”
• Adjectives Ending in “-ed” and “-ing”:
  • Use “more” and “most” with adjectives ending in “-ed” and “-ing.”
    • Example: “She is more bored than interested.”
• Two-Syllable Adjectives:
  • Some two-syllable adjectives can take either “-er/-est” or “more/most.” Use whichever sounds more natural.
    • Examples:
      • “Simple”: “simpler” or “more simple”
      • “Quiet”: “quieter” or “more quiet”
• Compound Adjectives:
  • Use “more” and “most” with compound adjectives.
    • Example: “He is more well-known than his colleague.”
• Adjectives with Inherent Comparative or Superlative Meanings:
  • Avoid using comparative or superlative forms with adjectives like “unique,” “perfect,” and “complete.”
    • Incorrect: “This is the most unique experience.”
    • Correct: “This is a unique experience.”
• Contextual Exceptions:
  • In some informal contexts, superlatives may be used instead of comparatives when comparing two things.
    • Example: “Which is quickest, the train or the bus?”
• Emphasis and Style:
  • In certain cases, “more” and “most” can be used for emphasis even when “-er” and “-est” are possible.
    • Example: “He is more clever than I thought” (emphasizes the degree of cleverness).

By understanding these exceptions and nuances, you can use comparative and superlative forms accurately and effectively.

36. What Are Some Common Idiomatic Expressions Using Comparative Forms?

Idiomatic expressions using comparative forms add color and depth to the English language. These expressions often have meanings that go beyond the literal interpretation of the words.

• Better late than never: It’s better to do something late than not at all.
  • “I know I should have sent the birthday card earlier, but better late than never.”
• The sooner the better: It’s best to do something as soon as possible.
  • “When should we start the project? The sooner the better.”
• The more the merrier: The more people involved, the better.
  • “Are you sure we have enough room for everyone? Yes, the more the merrier.”
• Easier said than done: Something is easier to say than to actually do.
  • “Finding a new job is easier said than done.”
• Worse comes to worst: If the worst possible scenario happens.
  • “If worse comes to worst, we can always sell the house.”
• A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush: It’s better to hold onto something you have than to risk losing it by trying to get something better.
  • “I was tempted to quit my job and start my own business, but a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.”
• Two heads are better than one: It’s better to have two people working on a problem than one.
  • “Let’s work on this project together; two heads are better than one.”
• The bigger they are, the harder they fall: The more powerful someone is, the more dramatic their downfall will be.
  • “The CEO was arrogant and ruthless, but remember, the bigger they are, the harder they fall.”
• The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree: Children often resemble their parents in character and behavior.
  • “He became a successful doctor, just like his father; the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
• Living better than before: Experiencing an improvement in one’s standard of living.
  • After getting a promotion, she was living better than before, with more financial security.

Understanding these idiomatic expressions can help you use English more naturally and effectively.

37. How Do You Use Comparatives And Superlatives To Express Hopes And Wishes?

Comparatives and superlatives can be used to express hopes and wishes by indicating a desire for something to be better or the best possible.

• Expressing a Hope for Improvement (Comparative):

  • Using “better” to indicate a desire for a situation to improve.
    • “I hope the weather gets better soon.” (Wishing for the weather to improve.)
    • “I hope he feels better tomorrow.” (Wishing for someone’s health to improve.)
    • “I wish my grades were better.” (Wishing for improved academic performance.)
  • Using other comparatives to express specific improvements.
    • “I hope my presentation goes more smoothly than the last one.” (Wishing for a smoother presentation.)
    • “I wish I could run faster.” (Wishing for improved speed.)

• Expressing a Wish for the Best Possible Outcome (Superlative):

  • Using “best” to express a desire for the most favorable outcome.
    • “I hope she has the best birthday ever.” (Wishing for the best possible birthday.)
    • “I hope we make the best decision.” (Wishing for the most favorable decision.)
    • “I wish him the best of luck.” (Wishing for the most favorable outcome.)
  • Using other superlatives to express specific desires for the best.