Mastering the Comparative of Inferiority in Grammar

The comparative of inferiority is a useful structure to compare one thing as being less than another. This guide explains its meaning, formula, and types, and provides practical tips for using it effectively in English exams like IELTS and TOEIC.

I. What Is the Comparative of Inferiority?

In English grammar, a comparative of inferiority is a special structure used to compare two people, actions, or things, expressing that one has less of a quality than the other. It provides a neutral or polite way to show that something is "weaker," "lower," or "less strong" in a particular trait — without sounding harsh or overly negative.

Basic Structure: less + adjective/adverb + than

• Adjective example: This car is less expensive than the red one.
• Adverb example: She speaks less confidently than her manager.

How It Differs from Other Comparatives

When and Why to Use It:

• To describe differences in a soft or neutral tone
• To show politeness, especially in formal contexts
• To evaluate ideas, performance, or products objectively
• Common in IELTS Writing Task 2, discussions, and business communication

By mastering this comparative structure, you’ll improve your range of grammar and sound more precise and natural — especially when describing advantages, disadvantages, and contrasts in both writing and speaking.

II. The formula for types of Comparative of inferiority sentences in English

To use comparatives of inferiority correctly and naturally, English learners need to know not only the basic structure, but also how it is applied across different types of sentences, including statements, comparisons, and variations like using antonyms or superlative ideas.

1. Comparative of inferiority

With Short Adjectives

Structure:

S + to be + less + adj (short adjective) + than + Noun

S + to be + not as/so + adj (short adjective) + as + Noun

For example:

• This shirt is not as cheap as the one I bought yesterday. 
• Richard is less tall than his brother. 

With Long Adjectives

Structure:

S + to be + less + adj (long adjective) + than + Noun

S + to be + not as/so + adj (long adjective) + as + Noun

For example:

• This book is less interesting than that one. 
• Xavia is not as confident as her sister.

Structure:

S + verb + less + adv + than + Noun

S + verb + not as/so + adv + as + Noun

For example:

• Jack speaks less fluently than his brother. 
• You don't run as quickly as I do. 

Notes:

• Do not use "less" with adjectives that are not gradable (e.g., dead, unique). You can review cases in irregular adjectives .
• Always include “than” to complete the comparison
• This structure is especially useful in IELTS Writing Task 2 or in professional/business English

2. Comparative of inferiority superlatives

While superlatives in English are typically formed using “the most” or “the least” to compare three or more items, comparatives of inferiority can sometimes function in sentences that imply a superlative idea—especially when highlighting the lowest degree within a group, without using "the least" directly.

Sometimes, a comparative of inferiority is used to describe someone or something as lower in quality or performance compared to all others in a group — even if the word “least” is not directly used.

With Short Adjectives

Structure:

S + to be + the least + adj (short adjective) + Noun

For example:

• John is the least tall student in the class.
• This is the least cheap item in the store.

With Long Adjectives

Structure:

S + to be + the least + adj (long adjective) + Noun

For example:

• This is the least interesting book I’ve ever read.
• Anna is the least confident person in the team.

With Adverbs

Structure:

S + verb + the least + adv

For example:

• Jack runs the least quickly of all the players.
• Anna works the least efficiently in the team.

3. Using antonyms in Comparative of inferiority

An effective way to express self-confidence without always using the word "less" is to use antonyms and comparative structures. This is especially useful in writing tests, where avoiding repetition and showing a diverse vocabulary can help improve your score.

Examples:

• Slow & Fast:
  Instead of saying: Jack doesn't run as fast as me.
  You can say: Jack runs slower than me.
• Weak & Strong:
  Instead of saying: This rope is not as strong as the other one.
  You can say: This rope is weaker than the other one.

How This Helps:

• Shows vocabularone, depending on the adjective you choose

Usage Notes:

• Not all “less +
• araphrasing — a key skill in writing tasks

III. Usage of Inferiority Comparatives in English Exams

Mastering the comparative of inferiority can improve not only your grammatical range but also your coherence and tone in both speaking and writing. This structure frequently appears in English exams where candidates are asked to compare ideas, make evaluations, or respond to questions about preferences and differences.

IELTS Writing & Speaking

In the IELTS Writing Task 2, especially when writing argumentative or opinion essays, you’ll often need to compare the impacts, importance, or effectiveness of two things. Using "less + adjective + than..." helps you present evaluations in a balanced, formal tone.

• Example (Writing Task 2): Public transportation is often less convenient than private vehicles, but it is more environmentally friendly.

In the Speaking Part 3, expressing clear personal comparisons (e.g., between places, people, or routines) using inferiority can show lexical range.

• Example (Speaking): I think online learning is less effective than classroom learning for students who lack self-discipline.

Tip: Using "less...than" can help you soften opinions or make comparisons sound more objective, just as structures like double comparative can add emphasis.

TOEIC Reading & Grammar

In the TOEIC Reading Part 5 & 6, you might encounter sentence completion tasks requiring knowledge of correct comparative structures.

• Example (Reading): The new software is less compatible than we expected.

Also, "less" collocations are frequently seen in business context vocabulary:

• less efficient
• less profitable
• less secure
• less competitive

In TOEIC Listening Parts 3–4, this structure may appear in conversations comparing products, services, or performance:

• “This option is less costly than the standard package.”
• “Although Model A has fewer features, it’s less likely to malfunction.”

Understanding how and when to use comparatives of inferiority gives you more control in structuring arguments, expressing opinions, and demonstrating accurate grammar in both exams and professional English use. It's a small structure — but a high-impact one.

IV. Exercises and Practice with Comparative of Inferiority

To truly master the use of comparative of inferiority, you need active practice. These targeted exercises will help you recognize the correct structure, avoid frequent mistakes, and apply what you’ve learned in both academic and real-life contexts.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blank

Complete the following sentences using the correct form of less + adjective/adverb + than:

1. This laptop is __________ (powerful) than the one I used before.

2. She runs __________ (fast) than her younger brother.
3. The new manager is __________ (experienced) than the previous one.
4. Their solution seems __________ (practical) than ours.
5. Public transport is often __________ (reliable) than private cars.

Exercise 2: Sentence Correction

Each sentence contains a mistake involving the comparative of inferiority. Rewrite it correctly.

1. This product is less better than that one.
2. My phone is less cheapest than yours.
3. She is less careful as her colleague.
4. The report is less complete to the final version.
5. Their house is more less modern.

Exercise 3: Rewrite the Sentences

Rewrite the following sentences using comparative of inferiority:

1. Tom is more organized than John.
   → John is _______________________________________.
2. This plan is more effective than that one.
   → That plan is ___________________________________.
3. Emma is as confident as Sarah.
   → Sarah is ______________________________________.

Answers

In this article, PREP has shared detailed information on the concepts and usage of Comparative of inferiority sentences in common English. For more related grammar points, check out English comparisons and keep follow!