What is double comparative? Double Comparative Structures in English

Double comparative is widely used in grammar today. They're not just for practice or everyday talk but also beneficial for improving IELTS Writing Task 1 score in terms of Grammar Range and Accuracy. Let’s delve into these structures with PREP through our article, exploring formulas, structures, and exercises!

I. Double comparative definition

Double comparative or double comparison are structures in English grammar used to compare two parallel clauses, highlighting the relationship between them. They are valuable tools for expressing how changes in one aspect lead to parallel effects in another. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the formulas, structures, and exercises related to double comparatives, helping learners understand and apply them effectively. Below are some double comparative examples:

• The more you practice, the better you become. 
• The more you study, the higher your grades will be. 
• In Korea, the more money people earn, the more they tend to spend on luxury items. 

II. The formula of double comparative structure in English

How many double comparative structures are there? Let's thoroughly explore the content below with PREP for effectively using double comparatives.

1. Adjectives/adverbs

Firstly, let's dive into double comparative structures used with adjectives and adverbs!

1.1. “The comparative…the comparative…”

Note: For the comparative form of adjectives and adverbs in the double comparative structures, we need to follow the rules of short adjectives and long adjectives.

The structure is as follows:

Short adjectives: The + adj + er + S + V, the + adj + er + S + V

Long adjectives: The more + adj + S + V, the more + adj + S + V 

For example: 

• The more confident she became, the more assertive her leadership style became.
• The faster he runs, the more quickly he gets the gift.

1.2. “Comparative and comparative” 

Short adjectives: S + V + adj-er and adj-er + O

Long adjectives: S + V + more and more + adj

For example:

• She is becoming more and more confident in her public speaking skills.
• With each practice session, his guitar playing is getting better and better. 

2. Nouns

The structure is as follows: 

The more/less + N + S + V, the more/less + N + S + V

For example: 

• The more books you read, the more knowledge you gain. 
• The less time you spend on social media, the more productive you become. 

Please refer to the following articles:

III. Importance of Double Comparatives in Language Learning

Understanding and using double comparatives effectively can significantly enhance language proficiency, particularly in academic and formal writing contexts. Here are some key reasons why mastering double comparatives is beneficial:

1. Clarity and Precision: Double comparatives allow speakers and writers to express relationships between two parallel clauses with clarity and precision, avoiding ambiguity.
2. Grammatical Accuracy: Using double comparatives correctly demonstrates grammatical proficiency, which is essential for achieving higher scores in language proficiency tests like IELTS and TOEFL.
3. Enhanced Expressiveness: By employing double comparatives, language learners can convey nuanced meanings and emphasize connections between different aspects of a situation or argument.
4. Academic Writing: In academic writing, double comparatives are often used to analyze data, discuss trends, and draw conclusions, making them indispensable for students and researchers.

IV. Double comparative exercises with detailed answers

Exercise 1: Use the double comparative structures to rewrite the following sentences:

• My savings increase as I save more.
• Her confidence grows with every song she sings.
• My speed increases the more I practice.
• My grades improve the more I study.
• She is getting more and more beautiful as she grows older.

Answer keys: 

• The more I save, the more money I have.
• The more she sings, the more confident she becomes.
• The more I practice, the faster I run.
• The more I study, the better my grades are.
• The older she gets, the more beautiful she becomes.

Exercise 2: Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the comparative adjective or adverb to complete the double comparative structures.

1. The __________ (hard) you work, __________ (good) your results will be.
2. __________ (fast) he runs, __________ (far) he can go.
3. The __________ (early) you arrive, __________ (easy) it will be to find a parking space.
4. __________ (careful) you are, __________ (few) mistakes you'll make.
5. The __________ (late) you stay up, __________ (tired) you will feel in the morning.

Answer Keys:

1. The harder you work, the better your results will be.
2. The faster he runs, the farther he can go.
3. The earlier you arrive, the easier it will be to find a parking space.
4. The more careful you are, the fewer mistakes you'll make.
5. The later you stay up, the more tired you will feel in the morning.

Mastering double comparatives is essential for achieving proficiency in English language skills, particularly in academic and formal writing contexts. By understanding the formula, structures, and applications of double comparatives, learners can enhance their communication skills and express complex ideas with clarity and precision. Through consistent practice and application, language learners can harness the power of double comparatives to effectively convey relationships between different aspects of language and communication.

V. Master IELTS Like a Pro 

In this article, PREP has helped you understand all the double comparative structures in English in detail. Looking to fast-track your IELTS success? Check out these proven study plans :

• Best IELTS online coaching: Master Every Section of IELTS