comparative meaning and examples

Meaning

• Comparative can function as both an adjective and a noun.

  • As an adjective: relating to or based on comparison.
  • In grammar: showing a higher degree of a quality, usually formed with -er (e.g., smaller, faster) or with more (e.g., more interesting).
  • As a noun: the comparative form of an adjective or adverb.

Grammar and Usage

• Adjective: describes something involving comparison.

  • Example: a comparative study between Japan and the US.

• Grammar (comparative form):

  • Short adjectives: add -er (taller, quicker).

  • Longer adjectives: use more + adjective (more beautiful, more expensive).

  • Structure: A is + comparative + than B.

    • She is taller than her brother.

Common Phrases

• Comparative advantage
• Comparative study
• Comparative analysis
• Comparative form
• Comparative grammar

Collocations

• comparative + analysis/study/research
• comparative + advantage/disadvantage
• comparative + perspective/approach
• form the comparative of an adjective

Examples

1. This is a comparative study of Asian and European economies.
2. She is taller than her classmate. (comparative form of tall)
3. Learning grammar often involves studying comparatives and superlatives.
4. The company has a comparative advantage in technology.
5. This book provides a comparative analysis of modern literature.
6. "Better" is the comparative form of "good".
7. Our new office is more comfortable than the old one.
8. The research takes a comparative approach to education systems.

Synonyms or Related

• Relative
• Proportional
• Evaluative
• Analytical
• (Grammar) Superlative (as a related concept)