How to use Comparative of inferiority in English

Comparative of inferiority is part of the topic of comparison sentences in English. So, what is Comparative of inferiority in English? How is the Comparative of inferiority structure used? Let’s explore this together with PREP below!

I. What is Comparative of inferiority?

Comparative of inferiority (Comparative inferiority) is a type of comparison sentence in English used to express being less than, inferior or lacking when comparing two subjects in terms of a certain characteristic or quality.

• This house is less big than that one. 

• Jack is less tall than his brother. 

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

Below are the structures for Comparative of inferiority in English with short adjectives, long adjectives, and adverbs. Feel free to refer to them!

1. Comparative of inferiority

Here is a summary of the formula, usage, and examples for Comparative of inferiority in English!

1.1. 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. 

1.2. 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. 

2. Comparative of inferiority superlatives

Here is a summary of the formula, usage, and examples for Comparative of inferiority superlatives in English!

2.1. 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.

2.2. 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. 

2.3. 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

In some cases, you can use antonyms to express Comparative of inferiority instead of using direct comparative structures, depending on the context to make the sentences sound more natural and understandable. 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.

III. Notes on using Comparative of inferiority in English

Let’s review some important notes when using Comparative inferiority sentences in English below!

• Distinguishing between short and long adjectives: Short adjectives usually have one syllable or two syllables ending in -y, -er, or -ow, while long adjectives have two or more syllables. Examples:

  • This dress is not as expensive as the other one.

  • Maria is less friendly than her sister.

• Do Not Use Comparative of inferiority with some absolute adjectives: Perfect, unique, complete, v.v.

IV. Comparative of inferiority exercises with answers

To better understand how to use Comparative inferiority sentences in English, let’s complete the exercises below with PREP!

1. Exercises

Exercise 1: Use the structure "not as/so…as" or "less…than" to complete the following sentences

1. This exam is __________ (difficult) the one we took last month.

2. Anna is __________ (kind) her friend.

3. My new car is __________ (expensive) my old one.

4. The weather today is __________ (cold) it was yesterday.

5. Jack is __________ (tall) Peter, but he is __________ (short) Mike.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

1. This movie is _______ interesting _______ the one we watched last week.

• a. not so/as

• b. less/than

• c. not as/as

2. Bella sings _______ beautifully _______ her sister.

• a. less/than

• b. not as/than

• c. not so/as

3. Jimmy is _______ friendly _______ Jack.

• a. less/than

• b. not as/as

• c. less/as

4. The new book is _______ exciting _______ the old one.

• a. less/than

• b. not so/than

• c. not as/than

4. Linda works _______ carefully _______ her colleagues.

• a. not so/than

• b. less/than

• c. not as/as

2. Answer keys

In this article, PREP has shared detailed information on the concepts and usage of Comparative of inferiority sentences in common English. Keep following PREP for more useful English knowledge updates!