More about comparatives
Much/a bit + comparative
We can use additional words with a comparative to say if the difference is strong or slight.
If the difference is big, we say
- much
- a lot
- far
If the difference is little, we say
- a bit
- a little
- slightly
Examples
He is much taller than me.
This phone is a lot more expensive than that one.
It is far healthier to live in the countryside than in the city.
This way is slightly shorter than the one you showed.
This laptop is a little more powerful than mine.
Better and better
We repeat the comparative to show that the changes are continuous. If the comparative is made by "more" + adjective, then we say "more and more + adjective".
For example
His beliefs grew stronger and stronger.
Things are getting better and better.
Prices are getting higher and higher.
The dog learns more and more difficult tricks.
As you practise, you get more and more experienced.
The sooner the better
The...the shows that one thing depends on the other.
Examples
The sooner he finishes, the better.
The more you learn, the less you know.
The higher you climb on the ladder, the harder you fall.
A: Would you like sweet or sour apples? B: The sweeter the better.
Any/no + comparative
We can add no or any to a comparative. We use "no" if the verb is in the positive form and "any" if it is in the negative form.
Examples
We must finish no later than 8 o'clock.
My idea is no better than yours.
I'm not staying here any longer, I've had enough.
His explanation did not make things any clearer.