Lesson

Older than... more expensive than...

Compare using than

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

Comparatives with 'than': "older than" & "more expensive than"

This lesson explains how to compare two things using comparatives with 'than'. We focus on two common patterns: short adjectives (like 'old' → 'older') and longer adjectives that use 'more' (like 'expensive' → 'more expensive'). You'll learn form, use, and common mistakes.

  • Use '-er' for short adjectives (old → older) + than: My phone is older than yours.
  • Use 'more + adjective + than' for longer adjectives: This model is more expensive than the previous one.
  • Always follow the comparative with 'than' to show the second item in the comparison.

Table

Comparative Structures with 'than'

Form Use Example
Adjective + -er + than Short adjectives (one syllable or some two-syllable adjectives) Our office is older than the downtown office.
more + adjective + than Longer adjectives (two syllables or more) and many multi-syllable adjectives This model is more expensive than the previous model.
Irregular comparatives Some adjectives have irregular forms This laptop is better than the old one.
Negative or contrast Use 'not as... as' for non-comparative contrasts This printer is not as expensive as the new copier.

Tip

Key Rule: Choose the correct comparative form

Decide whether to add '-er' or to use 'more' based on the adjective length and stress pattern.

  • one-syllable adjectives → add '-er' (old → older, cheap → cheaper)
  • adjectives of two or more syllables → use 'more + adjective' (expensive → more expensive, interesting → more interesting)
  • do not combine 'more' with an '-er' form (incorrect: more older, more cheaper)

Remember: short adjectives → '-er'; long adjectives → 'more + adjective'

Example

Examples in context

Our office building is older than the one downtown.

This software version is more expensive than the basic plan.

She is older than most of her colleagues.

A leased car can be more expensive than buying one in the long run.

Tip

Common mistakes

Watch for these frequent errors and how to correct them.

  • Using a double comparative: 'more older' or 'more cheaper' → wrong. Use 'older' or 'cheaper'.
  • Confusing 'than' with 'then' (wrong preposition): 'older then' → use 'older than'.
  • Adding 'more' with short adjectives that already have -er form: 'more taller' is incorrect.

Focus on the English comparative form and remember 'than' follows it.

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: How many syllables does the adjective have?

Quiz

Complete: The new model is _____ the previous model.

Hint: You need to compare the price of two items.

Quiz

Which sentence compares age correctly?

Hint: Watch out for common spelling mistakes and redundant words.

Key Points

Vocabulary

older

adjective CEFR A2 //ˈoʊldər//

comparative form of 'old' used to indicate greater age

Our office is older than the branch in Lyon.

Vocabulary

expensive

adjective CEFR B1 //ɪkˈspɛnsɪv//

costing a lot of money; high in price

This model is too expensive for our budget.

Expression

more expensive

expression CEFR B1 //mɔːr ɪkˈspɛnsɪv//

comparative form indicating higher cost compared to something else

The premium subscription is more expensive than the standard plan.

GrammarPoint

than

preposition CEFR A2 //ðæn//

used after a comparative to introduce the second element in a comparison

Her phone is newer than mine.

GrammarPoint

comparative

noun CEFR B1 //kəmˈpærətɪv//

a form of an adjective or adverb used to compare two things

Use the comparative to say that one item is better than another.

Vocabulary

old

adjective CEFR A1 //oʊld//

having lived for a long time or existing for a long time

We replaced the old equipment last quarter.