3) Forms used when comparing ideas

The most important form to use when comparing two ideas is the comparative form. For three or more ideas, use the superlative form.

a) Comparative form

These sentences use the comparative form to discuss ideas concerning the difficult economy.

Employment issues are more important than political problems at this point in time.

Job training is more critical to sustained well being than food stamps and other welfare programs.

Politicians are more worried about reelection than truly improving the economy.

A related form to the comparative is the use of 'as ... as'. The positive form shows something is equal. However, when using 'as ... as' do not modify the adjective as in the comparative form.

The loss of manufacturing jobs is as unfortunate as the drop in pay. Spending on education in my state is as high as in some foreign countries like Korea.

The negative form shows that something is not equal.

It isn't as easy as you think. 

The loss in production isn't as great as in the past.

b) Superlative form

These sentences use the superlative form to state what someone feels are the most important aspect of a success at university.

Dedication is the most important factor in success at University. Opening was mind to new perspectives was the most rewarding part of my time at university.

4. Conjunctions and connectors

Use these subordinating conjunctions, connecting words and prepositions to contrast positive and negative aspects.

though, although, even though

Although the initial cost will be high, we will eventually profit from the time spent.

It's important to remember that time is money even though many believe that money is more important.

however, nonetheless

We need to improve the local infrastructure. However, we must also respect nature. The government should invest in job training programs. Nonetheless, these will be expensive.

despite, in spite of

Despite the difficulty, students will soon see the benefit of this topic of study. The situation will improve in spite of the economy.

Exercise 1. Find a partner and use these suggestions to practice comparing and contrasting ideas, events, and people. Make sure to vary the language you use when practicing rather than using the same phrase over and over again.

• discuss the economic situation in your country

• speak about the positive and negative aspects of a politician or political party

• compare and contrast two different courses at school

• consider both sides of an important decision such as an investment, a career change, etc.

Exercise 2. Fill in like or as.

1. Charles Nichols is known ….. “Chuck” to his friends.

2. Her perfume smelt ….. roses.

3. People say she looks ….. Kim Basinger.

4. His father worked ….. an accountant in the city.

5. ….. usual, Terry was late for work.

6. Diving into the sea was ….. diving into an icy pool.

7. This is nice material – it feels ….. silk.

8. She doesn’t sing …. well ….. her mother.

9. I don’t think you could describe Andy …… an intelligent person.

10. Some politicians, such ….. John Major, are always in the news.

11. Ann looks ….. an angel.

Exercise 3. Your friend has asked you to help him find a place to buy in Brighton. You have found a flat (£140,000, near town centre, quite small, noisy area, very modern, 2 years old), a small house (£255,000, on the edge of town, small, not too noisy area, 50 years old) and a big house (£380,000, 3 miles from town, quite big, very quiet, beautiful area, 20 years old). Write him a letter comparing the three, using the information.

Unit 5