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Old vs older; Expensive vs more expensive
This lesson explains how to form and use the comparative forms of the adjectives 'old' and 'expensive'. 'Old' is a short adjective that takes the -er ending (older). 'Expensive' is a longer adjective that uses 'more' before it (more expensive). You will learn when to use -er and when to use 'more', plus common mistakes.
'Old' → 'older' (add -er)
'Expensive' → 'more expensive' (use 'more' + adjective)
Compare two things with 'than': X is older/more expensive than Y
Table
Comparative Forms (examples)
Adjective
Comparative
Example
old
older
My older laptop still works, but it's slower.
expensive
more expensive
This model is more expensive than the previous one.
big
bigger
We need a bigger meeting room for the team.
reliable
more reliable
The new system is more reliable during peak hours.
Tip
Key rule: -er vs more
Decide by the adjective's length and pronunciation:
One-syllable adjectives usually add -er: old → older, big → bigger.
Adjectives of two or more syllables usually use 'more': expensive → more expensive, reliable → more reliable.
Some two-syllable adjectives can take -er (simple exceptions), but 'expensive' uses 'more'.
Use 'than' to compare two things: A is older than B / A is more expensive than B.
Example
Examples in context
Our older model requires more maintenance than the new one.
The older employees have valuable experience in the process.
This software is more expensive but offers better support.
Replacing the old printer is more expensive than repairing it.
Tip
Common mistakes to avoid
Learners often make predictable errors when forming comparatives:
Saying 'more old' instead of 'older' — incorrect.
Using 'more older' (double comparative) — incorrect.
Forming 'expensiver' or 'cheaperer' — incorrect endings for long adjectives.
Confusing 'older' and 'elder' — 'elder' is mainly for family/relatives.
Think about adjective length: short adjectives (1-2 syllables) use -er, longer adjectives use 'more'.
Choose the correct sentence:
Hint: How many syllables does this adjective have?
This car is more old than mine.
This car is older than mine.
This car is oldest than mine.
This car is elder than mine.
Correct!
Use 'older' for the comparative of 'old'. 'More old' and 'oldest than' are incorrect; 'elder' is usually used for relatives.
Incorrect
The correct answer was: This car is older than mine.
Use 'older' for the comparative of 'old'. 'More old' and 'oldest than' are incorrect; 'elder' is usually used for relatives.
Complete: This model is _____ than the previous one.
Hint: Count the syllables in the adjective you need to use
Check
Correct!
'Expensive' is a multi-syllable adjective, so we use 'more' to form the comparative: 'more expensive'.
Incorrect
The correct answer was: more expensive
'Expensive' is a multi-syllable adjective, so we use 'more' to form the comparative: 'more expensive'.
Which sentence is most natural in a business context?
Hint: Which word is typically reserved for family relationships?
The elder manager has more experience.
The older manager has more experience.
The manager is more older than his colleague.
His manager is eldest.
Correct!
'Older' is the normal comparative for age in neutral/business contexts. 'Elder' is mainly used for family; the other options are ungrammatical.
Incorrect
The correct answer was: The older manager has more experience.
'Older' is the normal comparative for age in neutral/business contexts. 'Elder' is mainly used for family; the other options are ungrammatical.