Example 2

Tutor: What is the difference between your hometown and Regina?

The learner - Hyun Chu:

• Regina is more small than Seoul.
• Regina is more boring than Seoul.
• Seoul is maybe more interesting than Regina.
• Regina is more cold than Seoul.
• Seoul is more warm than Regina.

The Comparative Form

Tutor:

• What is the difference between your hometown and Regina?

Leaner:

• Regina is more small than Seoul.
• Regina is more boring than Seoul.
• Seoul is maybe more interesting than Regina.
• Regina is more cold than Seoul.
• Seoul is more warm than Regina.

Small, quiet, interesting and cold are all adjectives. However, it is not the adjective but the form around it, which is the problem.

Small, cold and warm are one syllable each. When comparing two things using a one-syllable adjective, we add –er to the adjective.

• Regina is smaller than Seoul.
• Regina is colder than Seoul.
• Seoul is warmer than Regina.

Boring is a two-syllable adjective. When comparing two things using a two-syllable adjective that does not end in ‘y’, use the "more + adjective + than" form.

• Regina is more boring than Seoul.

However, if the two-syllable adjective ends in "y", use the "adjective + er + than" form.

• Regina is prettier than Seoul.
• Seoul is busier than Regina.

Interesting is a "three-syllable or more" adjective. When using "three-syllable or more" adjectives, the form is "more + adjective + than."

• Seoul is more interesting than Regina.
• Regina is more beautiful than Seoul.