Lesson

Comparison 3: (as...as/than)

Equality comparisons

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

Comparison 3: (as...as / than)

This lesson explains how to compare equality and differences using 'as ... as' and comparative structures with 'than'. You'll learn when to use 'as ... as' for equality and when to use '-er' or 'more ... than' plus 'than' to show a difference. We also cover special cases with countable/uncountable nouns and negative forms.

  • Use 'as + adjective/adverb + as' to show equality: 'as fast as'.
  • Use comparative forms + 'than' to show difference: 'faster than', 'more efficient than'.
  • Choose '-er' for many short adjectives, 'more' for longer adjectives.
  • Use 'as many as' / 'as much as' for countable / uncountable nouns.
  • Negative equality: 'not as ... as' to say something is less equal.

Focus on adjective length (syllables) and noun countability when choosing forms.

Table

Comparison Forms: as...as vs comparatives

Form Structure Example
Equality (adjective/adverb) as + adj/adverb + as Our new printer is as fast as the old one.
One-syllable adjective (difference) adj + -er + than This model is faster than the previous model.
Adjectives with 2+ syllables (difference) more + adj + than The service is more reliable than before.
Negative equality not as + adj + as The proposal is not as strong as ours.
Countable nouns (quantity equality) as many as We sold as many units as last quarter.
Uncountable nouns (quantity equality) as much as We don't have as much information as we'd like.

Tip

Key Rule: Choose the correct comparative form

Decide between 'as...as' and 'than' by asking: are we saying equality or difference?

  • Equality → use 'as + adjective/adverb + as' (positive form).
  • Difference → use comparative ('-er' or 'more') + 'than'.
  • Short adjectives (one syllable) usually take '-er' (e.g. 'cheaper than').
  • Long adjectives (two or more syllables) usually take 'more' (e.g. 'more efficient than').
  • For quantities: 'as many as' (countable) and 'as much as' (uncountable).

If unsure, rephrase: 'is X equal to Y?' → use 'as...as'; otherwise use comparative + 'than'.

Example

Examples in context

The new printer is as fast as the old one.

Our sales this quarter are higher than last quarter.

She is as qualified as her colleague for the promotion.

This software costs more than the budget allows.

Tip

Common Mistakes

Learners often mix structures or forms. Watch for these errors:

  • Incorrect: 'more better than' — use 'better than' (not 'more').
  • Incorrect: 'as more than' — you cannot mix 'as...as' with 'more ... than'.
  • Using 'as many as' with uncountable nouns (e.g. 'as many information as') — use 'as much as'.
  • Using '-er' with long adjectives (e.g. 'more reliable' is correct, not 'reliabler').
  • Mixing comparison structures: 'more bigger' or 'the most best' are incorrect.

Check adjective length and noun countability; avoid literal translations that mix forms.

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Decide if you need 'as...as' (equality) or a comparative + 'than' (difference).

Quiz

Complete: The new policy is _____ the old policy.

Hint: Are the two policies equal or different in strictness?

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Think about countable vs uncountable nouns when choosing 'many' or 'much'.

Key Points

GrammarPoint

as...as

expression CEFR B1 //ˌæz ... ˈæz//

Used to show equality between two things (adjective or adverb).

The team is as motivated as last year.

GrammarPoint

than

preposition CEFR B1 //ðæn//

Used after comparatives to introduce the second element being compared.

Quarterly revenue is higher than expected.

GrammarPoint

more ... than

expression CEFR B1 //mɔːr ... ðæn//

Use 'more' before an adjective to form the comparative for multi-syllable adjectives.

This solution is more efficient than the previous one.

GrammarPoint

as much as

expression CEFR B2 //ˈæz mʌtʃ æz//

Used to compare quantities of uncountable nouns for equality.

We don't have as much data as the competitor.

GrammarPoint

as many as

expression CEFR B2 //ˈæz ˈmeni æz//

Used to compare quantities of countable nouns for equality.

They hired as many interns as last summer.

GrammarPoint

comparative

noun CEFR B1 //kəmˈpærətɪv//

A form of an adjective or adverb used to compare two things.

Faster, cheaper and more reliable are comparatives you might use in reports.