Level Up English Podcast The Comparison Trap Comparatives

The Comparison Trap

The Comparison Trap is when we get stuck comparing our lives to other people and feeling worse as a result.

It’s a common problem in language learning, and this is something that I often experience too since I was inspired to make this episode after a moment of comparison made me feel worse.

We often compare ourselves to others in many ways, such as income, appearance, skills, and on social media.

In this episode, I cover all of these topics while sharing some useful comparative grammar structures to improve your spoken English.

Comparative Structures in English

1. More Than

More + adjective/adverb + than

She speaks English more fluently than me.

I am more attractive than him.

2. Twice / Half

Twice/half + as + adjective + as

He’s twice as muscular as me.

She’s half as smart and her mother.

3. Far more

Far/much more than

He earns far more than me

She is much smarter than me

4. No Sooner

No sooner had + subject… than…
One action happens immediately after another

No sooner had I got a promotion than I started comparing myself to my colleagues.

5. The More the Merrier

The + ER adjective + The + ER adjective
Shows one thing increasing that leads to a change in another.

The bigger the better!

The more the merrier!

6. Faster and Faster

ER Adjective + ER Adjective
Shows that something is continuing to change

Your English will get better and better.

The car is going faster and faster.

Do you struggle with comparison to others? What areas are harder for you?

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