Unit 10.1
Comparative Clauses: As … as
Introduction
Comparisons with adjectives and adverbs are used to compare things, people or actions, expressing the equalities or inequalities between them.
The comparative of equality (as…as clause) is used for the same purpose.
{see Comparisons with Adjectives and Adverbs, A1 level}
Form
We usually find the structure of the comparative of equality (as…as clause) in its three forms.
Affirmative forms:
Subject + verb + as + adjective/adverb + as + object + …
Subject + verb + as + adjective/adverb + noun + as + object + …
Negative forms:
Subject + verb + not + as + adjective/adverb + as + object + …
Subject + verb + not + as + adjective/adverb + noun + as + object + …
Interrogative forms:
Verb + subject + as + adjective/adverb + as + object + …?
Verb + subject + as + adjective/adverb + noun + as + object + …?
Example
Talk about identical things (affirmatives)
- This box of biscuits is as big as mine.
- This restaurant makes food as good as my mum’s.
Talk about different things (negatives)
- A kilo of potatoes is not as expensive as a kilo of steaks.
- Her mountain boots are not as cheap as his backpack.
Ask information about equality/inequality
- Is this box of biscuits as big as mine?
- Do I have champagne as cold as yours?
Use
We use the comparative of equality (as…as clause) to:
- Talk about identical things (affirmative);
- Talk about different things (negative).
- Ask information about equality/inequality of different things (interrogative)
Summary
The comparative of equality (or the as…as clause) is used to highlight the equality or inequality between two things, people or actions.
The as…as clause follows the general rules for the creation of the different forms (affirmative, negative and interrogative). In the as…as clause itself, we start with the first as followed by an adjective or an adverb followed by the other as and an object. We can also place a noun after the adjective or the adverb.
For example:
— Affirmative: “My doll is as lovely as yours.”
— Negative: “My doll is not as lovely as yours.”
— Interrogative: “Is my doll as lovely as yours?”
Let’s revise this content within the {Form} section. Take a look at the {Example} section that shows its use within a context.
Exercises
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