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.
Form
We usually find the structure of the comparative of equality (as…as clause) in its three forms: affirmative, negative and affirmative.
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
Affirmative forms:
- Your box of biscuits is as big as mine.
- She runs as fast as me.
- He is as tall as his father.
Negative forms:
- A kilo of potatoes is not as expensive as a kilo of steaks.
- Her mountain boots are not as cheap as his backpack.
- They are not as smart as I am.
Interrogative forms:
- Is your pizza as tasty as mine?
- Is this champagne as cold as the other?
- Are your friends as funny as you?
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.