Language and Grammar: Make Comparisons

Question Quiz Go back to the selection and look for ways to make three comparative statements about the Siberian tiger. Use comparative adjectives in your statements. They may be true or false. Quiz your partner. Trade roles.

The Siberian tiger population is smaller than it used to be.

False.
The Siberian tiger population is larger than it used to be.

Writing and Grammar: Write to Compare Tigers

Study the Models When you write, you can use comparisons to add details and make your writing more interesting. When you make comparisons, be sure the words show the comparison clearly so your reader can understand them.

Not Ok

The biologist was more fearless than the expedition leader. He bent over the tranquilized Siberian tiger and discovered that it was more large than the one he had examined yesterday. As he ran his hand through the big cat’s fur, the biologist realized that its coat was more thicker than any other kind of tiger. The biologist thought that the tiger was beautifuler than any cat he’d seen.

The reader thinks: “What exactly is ‘beautifuler’?”

Ok

The biologist was more fearless than the expedition leader. He bent over the tranquilized Siberian tiger and discovered that it was larger than the one he had examined yesterday. As he ran his hand through the big cat’s fur, the biologist realized that its coat was thicker than any other kind of tiger. The biologist thought that the tiger was more beautiful than any cat he’d seen.

The comparisons are now correct and clear.

Add Sentences Think of two sentences to add to the OK model above. Look for more ways that the people or animals are similar or different.

Illustration of the pen icon WRITE ON YOUR OWN Write to compare the Siberian tigers in Russia with the Bengal tigers in India. Which tigers are larger? Which tigers are safer from poachers? Be sure to use the correct comparison words to make your writing clear.

Remember

  • • Add -er to one-syllable adjectives. A tiger’s tail is longer than a cat’s tail.

  • • If the adjective ends in y, change the y to i. Then add -er. A tiger is heavier than a house cat.

  • • Add more before adjectives with three or more syllables.

    A tiger’s roar is more ferocious than a house cat’s meow.

  • • Never use more and -er together.