In Grammar 3-1, we reviewed some basic comparative and superlative structures. Let’s look at two more advanced ways to use comparative structures.
Repeated Comparative Adjectives and Adverbs
We can repeat comparative forms using and to describe how something is continuously changing over time. We can do this with both comparative adjectives and comparative adverbs.
- This course keeps getting harder and harder! I don’t know how I’m going to pass.
- It seems like holidays are becoming more and more commercialized every year.
- I wasn’t very good when I joined the softball team, but I’m playing better and better every week.
- The company is releasing new smartphones less and less quickly each year.
Notice that when an adjective or adverb uses more or less in its comparative form, the and comes between the two mores or lesses.
Parallel Comparatives
We can use parallel comparatives with the..., the... to show that two things change together or that one thing depends on another thing. These sentences require two clauses, and the structure of both clauses is: the + comparative adjective/adverb + subject + verb.
I don’t like loud fireworks.
The louder the fireworks are, the better they are.
According to the man, the quality of fireworks depends on the loudness. So, in this person's opinion, as fireworks get louder, they also get better.
Here are some more examples:
- The warmer the weather is, the happier I feel.
- The bigger the venue is, the more spacious it will be.
- The later we leave, the worse the traffic will be.
- The more expensive the clothing is, the better the quality is.
When the verb in the first clause is a form of 'be', English speakers tend to omit it. Look at the modified examples:
- The warmer the weather, the happier I feel.
- The bigger the venue, the more spacious it will be.
A shorter form of this structure is also possible whenever the comparative in the second clause is 'better'.
- The louder the fireworks, the better.
- The more expensive the clothing, the better the quality.
Note that in situations where the first subject is already understood, it can also be omitted.
How spicy would you like your curry?
The spicier, the better.
