Comparative
Structures
As good as new. The same age as me. Twice as big. By far the best. — master every comparison pattern.
Show rules
as ... as / not as ... as
Use as + base form + as for equality: She is as tall as her brother.
Use not as + base form + as for inequality: I'm not as fast as I used to be.
Useful variations:
- just as ... as — equal, emphatic: just as good as a new one
- almost / nearly as ... as — close but not equal: almost as tall as me
- not nearly as ... as — much less: not nearly as expensive as I expected
- twice / three times as ... as — multiples: twice as big as our old flat
- as soon as possible — fixed phrase
the same / different / similar / like
| structure | example | |
|---|---|---|
| equal | the same as (+ noun) | Your bag is the same as mine. |
| equal in detail | the same + noun + as | We're the same age as our cousins. |
| different | different from | American English is different from British. |
| similar | similar to | This phone is similar to mine. |
| comparison | like | She looks like her mother. |
| role / function | as | She works as a teacher. |
Like compares two things; as states a role: ✅ She speaks like a native (similar). ✅ She works as a teacher (the actual role).
Stronger and weaker comparatives
To strengthen a comparative: much / far / a lot + comparative — much bigger, far more expensive, a lot better.
To weaken it: a bit / a little / slightly + comparative — a bit cheaper, slightly easier.
Watch out: ❌ very bigger — very is not used with comparatives.
For superlatives, emphasise with by far or easily: by far the best, easily the most expensive.
Comparative patterns
- warmer and warmer, more and more difficult — increasing change
- The more you practise, the easier it gets — parallel change
Common mistakes
| ❌ | ✅ |
|---|---|
| different than / of mine | different from mine |
| similar with mine | similar to mine |
| twice bigger than ours | twice as big as ours |
| very bigger than | much bigger than |
| She works like a teacher. | She works as a teacher. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you use as ... as in English?
Use 'as + base adjective + as' to say two things are equal: 'as tall as her brother', 'as exciting as the book'. For inequality, use 'not as ... as'. Variations: 'twice as big as' (multiples), 'just as good as' (emphasis), 'almost as long as' (close), 'not nearly as expensive as' (much less).
Is it 'different from', 'different than', or 'different to'?
The standard form in both British and American English is 'different from'. 'Different than' is common in informal American English but is often considered less correct. 'Different to' is common in British English but not international standard. For safe choice, use 'different from'.
What is the difference between 'like' and 'as'?
Use 'like + noun' to compare or say something resembles something else: 'She looks like her mother', 'He sings like a professional'. Use 'as' to state someone's actual role or function: 'She works as a teacher' (she IS a teacher). 'She works like a teacher' would mean she works in a similar way to one, but isn't actually a teacher.
How do you make a comparison stronger or weaker?
To strengthen a comparative use 'much / far / a lot' (much bigger, far more expensive). To weaken it use 'a bit / a little / slightly' (a bit cheaper, slightly cooler). Never use 'very' with a comparative — 'very bigger' is wrong. For superlatives, use 'by far' or 'easily' (by far the best, easily the most talented).