Topic 1.5.4 Comparative structures

COMPARATIVE STRUCTURES

Warm up

  1. How does our company’s latest product compare to our competitor’s?
  2. In your opinion, is working in a large company better or worse than working in a small startup? Why?
  3. Is adopting new technology quicker or slower in larger organizations compared to smaller ones? What are the reasons?
  4. Do you think achieving work-life balance is easier or harder now compared to five years ago? What has changed?
  5. In your opinion, is digital marketing more effective than traditional marketing methods? Why or why not?

Comparative forms and modifiers

1.What type of software and online systems does your company use? How do they help you work?

2.Ercho Management Systems has received user feedback on its new warehouse management systems software. 

Complete the comments.

Grammar Reference

Comparative structures are used to compare two people, things, or ideas. They highlight differences and similarities, often in terms of quality, quantity, or degree.

Form

1.Add -er to one- and some two-syllable adjectives and to adverbs with the same form as adjectives

  • small – smaller
  • fast – faster

If the adjective or adverb ends in -y, change the -y to a -i and add -er.

  • happy – happier

2.If a short adjective ends in a consonant, vowel, consonant, double the last consonant.

  • hot – hotter
  • big – bigger
  • thin – thinner

3.Some adjectives and adverbs are irregular.

  • good/well – better
  • bad/badly – worse

4.With words that have two or more syllables, add more or less.

  • accurate – more accurate

5.Add than after the comparative form to compare two things.

  • Carole is more sociable than Vincent.

Use

1.Use the comparative to compare two or more things or people.

  • This new system is better than the old one.

2.To say something is the same, use as + adjective + as.

  • It’s as accurate as the old system.

3.To say something is different, use not as + adjective + as

  • It’s not (isn’t) as efficient as the old system.

Modifying comparative adjectives and adverbs

Use modifiers to talk about differences in the size of the comparison.

Big differences: much, far, a lot, a great deal.

  • Sales are far bigger this year than last year.
  • We sold out much more quickly this year.

Before as + adjective + as, use not anything like.

  • Sales weren’t anything like as big as last year’s.

Small differences: a bit, a little, slightly, marginally.

  • Sales were a bit better this year.
  • Overall, we did a little better this year.

Before as … as, use nearly or almost.

  • There were nearly as many customers last night as there were at Christmas.

Listening

Listen to part of a phone conversation between an after-sales representative from Ercho and a user of their software.

Listen again.

Listening: Listen to the audio and answer the questions:

Reading: Read the text and answer the questions:

Apple vs. Samsung

Apple and Samsung are two of the most well-known companies in the technology sector. Both companies produce a variety of electronic products, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. However, they have different strengths and weaknesses.

Apple is known for its innovative design and user-friendly products. Its iPhone is one of the best-selling smartphones in the world. Many people believe that Apple’s products are more stylish and easier to use than those of its competitors. Apple is also famous for its strong brand loyalty; customers are often very satisfied with their products and are likely to buy Apple products again.

Samsung, on the other hand, is known for its wide range of products. Samsung offers more types of smartphones than Apple, catering to different budgets and preferences. Samsung’s flagship phones, like the Galaxy series, are among the most advanced in the market. They often feature the latest technology and are considered to be very powerful. Additionally, Samsung’s products are generally more affordable than Apple’s.

When it comes to customer service, both companies excel. Apple is often praised for its helpful and friendly customer service. Many customers feel that Apple’s support team is the most efficient. Samsung also has a strong reputation for customer service, but some customers feel that Apple’s service is better.

Overall, Apple and Samsung are both highly successful companies, but in different ways. Apple is known for its innovation and brand loyalty, while Samsung is recognized for its wide range of products and affordability.

Questions: 

  1. What are Apple products often praised for?
  2. Which company offers more types of smartphones, catering to different budgets and preferences?
  3. What is one of the main reasons for Apple’s strong brand loyalty?

True or False: 

  1. Apple’s iPhone is one of the best-selling smartphones in the world.
  2. Samsung’s products are generally more expensive than Apple’s.
  3. Apple is recognized for its wide range of products and affordability.
  4. Both Apple and Samsung are known for their strong customer service.
  5. Samsung has stronger brand loyalty than Apple.
Anterior Tema
Volver a la Lección
Siguiente Lección