Learning objectives
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to explain the rules, recognise the target forms in context, avoid common errors and apply the patterns to new sentences.
- Understand the core terms and distinctions.
- Study examples in complete sentences, not as isolated rules.
- Complete all 15 practice items before opening the answer key.
1. Equal and unequal comparison
Use as + adjective/adverb + as for equality. Use not as/so…as for inequality and comparative + than for a direct comparison.
2. Too…to and enough to
Too + adjective + to-infinitive expresses excess that prevents an action. Adjective + enough + to-infinitive expresses sufficient degree or ability.
3. So…that and such…that
So normally modifies an adjective/adverb; such normally modifies a noun phrase. Both can introduce a result clause.
4. The…the structure
The + comparative…, the + comparative… expresses linked change: as one thing changes, another changes too.
5. Common comparison errors
Use than after a comparative and as…as for equality. Avoid double comparatives such as more better. Keep comparison targets parallel and use any other where appropriate.
Guided practice
Try each item first. Then open the answer key and read the explanation for any answer you missed.
- Complete: This bag is as heavy ___ that one.
- Correct: “My brother is more taller than me.”
- Complete: The coffee is too hot ___ drink.
- Complete: She is strong enough ___ lift the box.
- Choose: It was ___ interesting book that I read it twice. (so / such an)
- Choose: The test was so difficult ___ few students finished. (that / than)
- Complete: The harder you work, ___ more you achieve.
- Correct: “This is the most easiest question.”
- Complete: Rina is taller ___ any other girl in her class.
- Choose the equality form: He runs as ___ as his brother. (fast / faster)
- Transform: “The box is so heavy that I cannot carry it” using too…to.
- Complete: It was ___ a beautiful day that we went for a walk. (such / so)
- Correct: “The more you read, better you write.”
- Choose: No other mountain in the country is as high ___ this one. (as / than)
- What should you compare in “The speed of this car is greater than that of the bus”?
Show answer key and explanations
- as — The equality pattern is as + adjective + as.
- My brother is taller than me. (formal: taller than I am) — Do not use more with a comparative adjective ending in -er.
- to — Too + adjective + to-infinitive indicates an excessive degree.
- to — Enough follows the adjective and is followed by a to-infinitive.
- such an — Such modifies a noun phrase: such an interesting book.
- that — So + adjective + that introduces a result clause.
- the — The…the comparative structure links two changes.
- This is the easiest question. — Avoid double superlative marking.
- than — Comparatives are followed by than.
- fast — The adjective/adverb between as and as uses the base form.
- The box is too heavy for me to carry. — Too…to expresses that the degree prevents the action.
- such — Such modifies the noun phrase a beautiful day.
- The more you read, the better you write. — Both parts of the structure require the.
- as — The pattern is as high as.
- The speed of the car and the speed of the bus — That substitutes for the repeated noun speed.
Revision checklist
- I can explain the main rules in my own words.
- I can recognise the correct form in a complete sentence.
- I can explain why a common incorrect form is wrong.
- I can apply the rule to a new example.
If an answer was wrong, identify the rule behind the mistake and try writing two original examples.
Continue learning
← Previous chapterGrammar RoadmapGrammar Quiz LibraryNext chapter →Editorial note: Some grammar conventions vary by dialect or examination syllabus. Follow the terminology and conventions specified by your course or exam board where relevant.