A2 · Elementar Capítulo 3

Melhor, maior e o mais incrível: Dominando as comparações

6 Regras totais
68 exemplos
6 min
Regras neste capítulo Prática rápida

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the art of comparison to express your preferences and observations with precision.

  • Use comparative adjectives to contrast two items.
  • Apply superlative forms to identify the extreme of a group.
  • Handle irregular forms like better, worse, and best.
Compare everything with confidence and ease.

O que você vai aprender

Você já sabe descrever o mundo ao seu redor, mas agora vamos levar seu inglês para o próximo nível! Sabe quando você está fazendo compras e precisa decidir se um celular é mais barato (cheaper) que o outro, ou quando está planejando uma viagem e quer saber qual é a cidade mais interessante (the most interesting)? Este capítulo é a sua ferramenta essencial para essas situações do dia a dia. Aqui, você vai aprender a usar as terminações '-er' e a palavra 'more' para comparar duas coisas de forma natural. Vamos desvendar juntos os famosos irregulares como 'better' e 'worse' — fundamentais para você soar como um nativo — e entender como o padrão 'as...as' ajuda a equilibrar a balança quando as coisas são iguais. Mas não paramos por aí! Você também vai descobrir como coroar o topo de qualquer categoria usando superlativos como 'the best' e 'the most', aprendendo a destacar o que há de melhor (ou pior!) em um grupo. Ao terminar, você terá total confiança para dar opiniões, comparar preços e escolher a melhor opção em qualquer conversa. Seja para decidir qual prato é o mais gostoso no cardápio ou explicar por que uma rota é melhor que a outra, seu inglês será muito mais dinâmico e preciso. Vamos nessa?

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: Compare two products using correct comparative adjectives.

Guia do capítulo

Overview

Learning to compare things is a huge step in making your English more expressive and useful in everyday life. Think about it: every day we compare prices at the store, decide which movie is more interesting, or talk about which friend is taller. This chapter, Making Comparisons, is your essential guide to mastering these common situations.
By the end, you'll be confidently describing if something is bigger than something else, or identifying the best option from a group.
For A2 English grammar learners, understanding how to make comparisons is key to moving beyond simple sentences. It allows you to elaborate on your thoughts, share preferences, and engage in more dynamic conversations on familiar topics. Whether you're discussing your favorite foods, describing your city, or simply choosing the fastest way to get to work, the grammar patterns we'll explore here are fundamental.
You’ll learn about adding -er or more to adjectives, using than to connect ideas, and even special forms like better or the best. This skill will unlock a whole new level of practical communication in English.

How This Grammar Works

At its heart, making comparisons in English is about showing how two or more things relate in terms of a quality. We use different patterns depending on whether we're comparing just two things, or identifying an extreme within a larger group, or even stating that two things are equal.
Let’s start with comparing two items:
When you want to say one thing has *more* of a quality than another, you use comparative adjectives. For short adjectives (usually one syllable), we add -er to the end. For example,
My coffee is hotter than yours.
For longer adjectives (two or more syllables), we use more before the adjective.
For instance,
This book is more interesting than that one.
Notice that both patterns use the word than to link the two things being compared.
Sometimes, adjectives don't follow these regular rules. These are called irregular comparatives. The most common ones are: good becomes better, bad becomes worse, and far becomes farther or further.
So, you’d say, "Today's weather is better than yesterday, not gooder."
But what if two things are exactly the same? We use the as...as pattern to show equality. You can use it with any adjective or adverb.
For example,
My car is as fast as your car,
or
The red apple is as sweet as the green one.
This pattern highlights that there's no difference in that particular quality between the two items.
Finally, when you want to identify the absolute extreme in a group of three or more items, you use superlative adjectives. For short adjectives, we add -est and always put the before it.
This is the biggest building in the city.
For longer adjectives, we use the most before the adjective.
She is the most talented singer in the class.
Just like comparatives, some superlatives are irregular. Good becomes the best, bad becomes the worst, and far becomes the farthest or the furthest. These forms are essential for expressing extremes clearly and correctly.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1Using 'more' with -er adjectives.
✗ My new phone is more bigger than my old one.
✓ My new phone is bigger than my old one.
*Explanation: For short adjectives, you only add -er. Don't use 'more' with them.*
  1. 1Forgetting 'than' in comparative sentences.
✗ This movie is better the last one.
✓ This movie is better than the last one.
*Explanation: 'Than' is crucial to connect the two things you are comparing.*
  1. 1Missing 'the' before superlative adjectives.
✗ Everest is highest mountain in the world.
✓ Everest is the highest mountain in the world.
*Explanation: Always use 'the' before a superlative adjective to show it's the absolute extreme.*

Real Conversations

A

A

Hi Leo! How was your trip to the beach?
B

B

It was great! The water was warmer than I expected, and the sand was softer than the sand at our local lake.
A

A

Oh, sounds lovely! Which beach did you go to?
B

B

Brighton Beach. It’s the biggest one near my town, and I think it’s also the most beautiful.
A

A

I’m trying to decide what to order. This pasta dish looks good.
B

B

Yes, but the pizza here is usually better than the pasta. And it’s as cheap as the pasta, too!
A

A

Really? I thought the pasta was the most popular dish.
B

B

It's popular, but I think the pizza is the best choice on the menu!

Quick FAQ

Q

When should I use '-er' versus 'more' for comparative adjectives?

You generally use -er for one-syllable adjectives (taller, smaller) and some two-syllable adjectives ending in -y (happier, easier). You use more for most other two-syllable adjectives and all adjectives with three or more syllables (more interesting, more expensive).

Q

Can I use 'as...as' to compare more than two things?

No, the as...as pattern is typically used to compare *two* things or people as equals. For example,

My car is as fast as your car.
If you're talking about more than two, you're usually looking for a superlative (e.g.,
This car is the fastest of all.
).

Q

What's the main difference between 'better' and 'the best'?

Better is a comparative adjective, used when comparing *two* things (

This book is better than that one
). The best is a superlative adjective, used when comparing *three or more* things and identifying the top one (
This is the best book I’ve ever read
).

Q

Do all adjectives have an '-est' or 'most' form for superlatives?

Almost all. Similar to comparatives, short adjectives usually take -est (tallest, smartest), and longer ones use most (most delicious, most important). Remember the irregular ones like best, worst, farthest/furthest!

Cultural Context

Native English speakers use comparisons constantly in daily conversation, often shortening sentences for speed. For instance, instead of
This is better than that one,
they might just say
This is better
if the context is clear. The as...as pattern can also be used humorously or sarcastically, like "He's as quiet as a rock," implying he's very quiet.
While the grammar rules are fairly consistent, pronunciation and stress on the comparative or superlative word can add emphasis.

Exemplos-chave (8)

1

My new phone is `faster` than my old one.

Meu celular novo é mais rápido que o antigo.

Comparativos: -er e more
2

This movie is `more interesting` than the book.

Este filme é mais interessante que o livro.

Comparativos: -er e more
3

This new phone is much **better** than my old one.

Este novo telefone é muito melhor que o meu antigo.

Comparativos Irregulares: better, worse, more
4

The weather today is **worse** than it was yesterday; it's raining.

O tempo hoje está pior do que estava ontem; está chovendo.

Comparativos Irregulares: better, worse, more
5

My new phone is as light as a feather.

Meu celular novo é tão leve quanto uma pena.

Comparações de igualdade (as...as)
6

The Netflix sequel isn't as good as the first season.

A sequência da Netflix não é tão boa quanto a primeira temporada.

Comparações de igualdade (as...as)
7

Mount Everest is `the highest` mountain in the world.

O Monte Everest é a montanha mais alta do mundo.

Superlativos: O Melhor e o Pior (-est / most)
8

For me, summer is `the best` season of all.

Para mim, o verão é a melhor estação de todas.

Superlativos: O Melhor e o Pior (-est / most)

Dicas e truques (4)

💡

Conte as Sílabas

Se a palavra for curtinha, como 'tall', você geralmente só adiciona '-er'. Se for longa, como 'beautiful', use 'more' antes dela:
She is more beautiful than the sunset.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Comparar Coisas (maior, mais caro)
💡

Conte as Sílabas!

O número de sílabas é seu melhor amigo aqui. Uma sílaba? Adicione '-er'. Duas ou mais sílabas (que não terminam em -y)? Use 'more'. É a sua principal dica! Por exemplo:
This car is faster than that one.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Comparativos: -er e more
💡

Pratique com frases comuns

Tente usar 'better than', 'worse than' e 'more than' nas suas conversas do dia a dia. Quanto mais você usar, mais natural vai soar! Por exemplo,
My coffee is better than yours!
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Comparativos Irregulares: better, worse, more
⚠️

A Armadilha do Comparativo

Nunca, jamais use palavras com '-er' ou 'more' dentro do 'as...as'. Diga as smart as, nunca as smarter as.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Comparações de igualdade (as...as)

Vocabulário-chave (6)

Expensive costing a lot of money Cheap low in price Better more good Worse more bad Best the highest quality Tall high in height

Real-World Preview

shopping-cart

Shopping for a Gift

Review Summary

  • A + verb + adjective-er + than + B
  • More + long adjective + than
  • Good -> Better, Bad -> Worse
  • As + adj + as
  • The + adjective-est
  • Good -> Best, Bad -> Worst

Erros comuns

Short adjectives take the -er suffix, not 'more'. 'More' is only for long adjectives.

Wrong: He is more tall than me.
Correto: He is taller than me.

Best is already superlative; do not add 'most'.

Wrong: This is the most best cake.
Correto: This is the best cake.

Use the base form of the adjective between 'as...as', not the comparative form.

Wrong: It is as better as that.
Correto: It is as good as that.

Next Steps

You have mastered comparisons! Keep practicing by comparing objects in your daily life. See you in the next chapter!

Compare items in your room aloud

Continue to: The Past: States and Regular Actions

Prática rápida (10)

Escolha a forma superlativa correta para completar a frase.

This is ______ movie I've ever watched!

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: the most boring
O adjetivo 'boring' (chato) tem duas sílabas, mas termina em '-ing', o que geralmente pede 'the most'. Para 'boring', usamos 'the most boring'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Superlativos: O Melhor e o Pior (-est / most)

Corrija o erro na frase.

Find and fix the mistake:

I don't have as many time as you.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I don't have as much time as you.
'Time' é um substantivo incontável, então usamos 'as much as' em vez de 'as many as'. Fique de olho nos substantivos!

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Comparações de igualdade (as...as)

Qual frase usa um superlativo irregular corretamente?

Escolha a frase correta:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He has the least money.
'Least' é o superlativo de 'little' (para quantidade) e requer 'the' antes dele.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Superlativos Irregulares: Melhor, Pior e Mais

Encontre e corrija o erro na frase.

Find and fix the mistake:

Learning Spanish is more harder than learning French.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Learning Spanish is harder than learning French.
'Hard' é um adjetivo de uma sílaba, então sua forma comparativa é 'harder'. Não usamos 'more' com adjetivos de uma sílaba.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Comparativos: -er e more

Qual frase está gramaticalmente correta?

Escolha a comparação correta:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The bus is as fast as the train.
A estrutura correta é 'as + adjetivo + as'. Não usamos 'than' nem adjetivos comparativos aqui. Sempre as...as!

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Comparações de igualdade (as...as)

Encontre e corrija o erro na frase.

Find and fix the mistake:

My new laptop is more faster than my old one.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: My new laptop is faster than my old one.
Não usamos 'more' com adjetivos curtos que já ganham o '-er'. Isso é um comparativo duplo e deve ser evitado.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Comparar Coisas (maior, mais caro)

Preencha a lacuna para completar a comparação.

My cat is as ___ as yours. (lazy)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: lazy
Na comparação 'as...as', você sempre usa a forma base do adjetivo 'lazy', nunca o comparativo 'lazier'. Lembra da regra do sanduíche?

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Comparações de igualdade (as...as)

Escolha a forma comparativa irregular correta para completar a frase.

This restaurant's food is much ___ than the cafe next door.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: better
'Good' tem a forma comparativa irregular 'better'. Não dizemos 'gooder' ou 'more good'. Fácil, né?

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Comparativos Irregulares: better, worse, more

Encontre e corrija o erro na frase.

Find and fix the mistake:

That was the badest movie of the year.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: That was the worst movie of the year.
'Bad' é um adjetivo irregular. Sua forma superlativa é 'worst', não 'badest'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Superlativos Irregulares: Melhor, Pior e Mais

Escolha a forma superlativa correta.

This is ___ coffee I've ever had!

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: the best
'Good' é um adjetivo irregular, e sua forma superlativa é 'best'. Lembre-se de incluir 'the'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Superlativos Irregulares: Melhor, Pior e Mais

Score: /10

Perguntas comuns (6)

É a forma que usamos para comparar duas coisas, mostrando que uma tem 'mais' de uma qualidade. Por exemplo:
He is taller than me.
Você usa em palavras curtas de uma sílaba ou que terminam em 'y'. Por exemplo: "It's colder today."
A principal função deles é comparar duas coisas, pessoas ou ações, mostrando qual tem mais de uma certa qualidade ou faz algo em maior grau. Por exemplo:
This car is faster than that one.
Geralmente, você usa '-er' para adjetivos e advérbios de uma sílaba (ex: tall → taller, fast → faster). E também para adjetivos de duas sílabas que terminam em '-y' (ex: happy → happier).
Significa que a forma comparativa de um adjetivo ou advérbio não segue as regras normais de adicionar -er ou 'more'. Em vez disso, a palavra muda completamente, como 'good' se tornando 'better'. Por exemplo, em português, 'bom' vira 'melhor'!
Porque 'good' é um adjetivo irregular. A forma comparativa dele se desenvolveu diferente ao longo do tempo no inglês, então dizemos 'better' para comparar duas coisas, e não 'gooder'. Imagina dizer 'bom melhor' em vez de 'melhor' em português, soa estranho, né?
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