English Grammar > Adjectives

When comparing the attributes of two things, we use a standard set of constructions.

WHEN ATTRIBUTES ARE EQUAL

Comparing equal attributes is simple. To compare the attributes of two things that are equal, we use the pattern:

as + adjective describing the attribute + as

EXAMPLES

• Tom is as tall as his brother
• I am as hungry as you are.
• Sally is as nice as Jane.

WHEN ATTRIBUTES ARE NOT EQUAL

When the two attributes are not equal, there are three contructions with equivalent meanings.

Either use the pattern:

not as + adjective describing the attribute + as

Or use the pattern:

less + adjective describing the attribute + than: This construction is more frequent with some adjectives than with others.

Or use the pattern:

comparative + than: This construction may require changing the order of the phrase or using the opposing adjective.

EXAMPLES

• Mount Blanc is not as high as Mount Everest.
• Mount Blanc is less high than Mount Everest.
• Mount Blanc is lower than Mount Everest.
• Mount Everest is higher than Mount Blanc.
• Norway is not as sunny as Vietnam.
• Norway is less sunny than Vietnam.
• Vietnam is sunnier than Norway.
• Norway is cloudier than Vietnam.