We use comparisons all of the time when we are writing. However, there are a few problems that should be avoided. The rules below should help you write more grammatically correct comparisons.
Be sure to compare only those things that are capable of being compared:
Wrong:
The damage done by the flood was worse than the fire. (comparing damage and fire)
The girl's teeth were prettier than the boy. (comparing teeth and boy)
When hiking through the wilderness, pay attention to your feet; the pain caused by blisters is worse than a steep hill. (comparing pain to a steep hill)
Correct:
The damage done by the flood was worse than that of the fire. Or... The damage done by the flood was worse than the damage done by the fire.
The girl's teeth were prettier than the boy's. Or... The girl's teeth were prettier than the boy's teeth.
When hiking through the wilderness, pay attention to your feet; the pain caused by blisters is worse than that caused by a steep hill. Or...When hiking through the wilderness, pay attention to your feet; the pain caused by blisters is worse than the pain caused by a steep hill.
When using the comparative form in a comparison, use any other when it is necessary to exclude the subject of the comparison from the group:
Wrong:
Education Hall is older than any building on campus. (comparing Education Hall to a group that includes Ed Hall)
My best buddy, Nancy, is more loyal than my friends. (comparing Nancy to a group that includes Nancy)
Correct:
Education Hall is older than any other building on campus.
My best buddy, Nancy, is more loyal than any other of my friends. Or...My best buddy, Nancy is more loyal than any of my other friends.
When a comparison is limited to two things, use the comparative degree. Use the superlative for more than two things.
Note: "-er" added to the end of a short word and the word "more" are comparatives. "-est" added to the end of a short word and and the word "most" are superlatives. Do not mix comparatives and superlatives, such as more deeper, most pleasanter, most loveliest.
Wrong:
What takes the most time, your job or school. (should use the comparative more)
Of all my four children, Hannah is the better cook by far. (should use the superlative best)
Both Larry and Vernon are big eaters, but Larry is the fattest of the two cats. (should use the comparative fatter)
Sally types faster than I, and she's the most accurate. (should use the comparative more)
When I was younger, I was most frightened of dogs. (should use the comparative more)
This is the better and the cheapest cheeseburger in town. (should use the superlative best)
Correct:
What takes more time, your job or school?
Of all my four children, Hannah is the best cook by far.
Both Larry and Vernon are big eaters, but Larry is the fatter of the two cats
Sally types faster than I, and she's more accurate.
When I was younger, I was more frightened of dogs.
This is the best and the cheapest cheeseburger in town.
Click on the link for some comparison practice.
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