Comparing two things

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Use a comparative to compare one thing with another: smaller than, more useful than. Short adjectives often take er; longer ones commonly use more. Good becomes better and bad becomes worse. Than introduces the comparison when it is stated.

Try the three exercise formats

Examples to compare

  • This bag is smaller than mine.
  • The new instructions are more useful.
  • This route is better for cycling.

Watch the meaning and the limits

Do not combine more with an er comparative: more cheaper doubles the marking. A comparison needs a clear dimension and referent. The cheaper option is not automatically better overall; it only costs less in the stated comparison.

Read each example aloud, then change one detail to make a sentence you could use. Continue with focused practice when you want a different set.

Common mistakes and how to fix them

Mistake: This bag is more cheaper.

Use: This bag is cheaper.

Cheaper already marks the comparison; do not add more.

Try the pattern

3 choose questions · 2 sentence completions · 2 word gaps. Read the reason after every answer. No timer.

Typed answers stay on this page. This guided set checks the requested construction; it does not judge general writing. Read the accepted answers and reasons.

Use it in your own sentence

Write one sentence about your own routine or situation. Check the subject, verb form and intended meaning against the rule above. A different sentence may need a different form: these exercises accept the reviewed answers for their stated context.

Try the next practice set, or choose another grammar point.

All drill answers and reasons

  1. This bag is ___ than mine.

    Choices: smaller / smallest / more smaller

    Accepted: smaller

    Smaller is the comparative; do not add more.

  2. This explanation is ___ useful than the old one.

    Choices: more / most / muchest

    Accepted: more

    Use more before this longer adjective.

  3. The irregular comparative of good is ___.

    Choices: better / gooder / best

    Accepted: better

    Better compares; best is superlative.

  4. Complete the comparative phrase using expensive: This bag is ___ that one.

    Accepted: more expensive than

    Use more with expensive, followed by than for the second item.

  5. Complete the comparative phrase using small: My bag is ___ yours.

    Accepted: smaller than

    Small takes er, and than introduces the second item.

  6. This route is ___ than that one. Use the comparative of good.

    Accepted: better

    Good has the irregular comparative better.

  7. This box is ___ than mine. Use the comparative of heavy.

    Accepted: heavier

    Change the final y in heavy to ier for this comparative.

Practice questions

How do the three exercise formats work?

Choose asks you to pick an answer. Complete the sentence asks you to type the missing phrase. Fill in the word asks for one word, or no article where stated. Every checked answer includes a reason.

Which typed answers are accepted?

Use the form and meaning requested in the prompt. Reviewed alternatives and contractions are accepted where they fit. Capital letters, surrounding spaces, straight or curly apostrophes and a final full stop, question mark or exclamation mark do not affect marking. The answer reference lists the accepted forms.

Are my typed answers sent or saved?

Typed answers stay on this page in your browser. They are not sent to the server or saved. If device progress is available, completing a set records only the activity and study points on this device.

Can this check my own writing or certify my level?

No. This is a small guided set with reviewed answers, not a general grammar checker or a level certificate. An unlisted answer does not mean it is always wrong in English. Read the prompt and the explanation for this construction.

Further reference: Cambridge English Grammar Today. The explanations, examples and exercises here are original; each lesson covers a useful pattern rather than every exception.