Comparison problems

Last updated: 13 Oct 2008

The third type of sentence correction question we will look at is comparison problems.

Rule

Only equivalent things or individuals can be compared.

Hint

1. Be wary of these words : like, unlike, not unlike, as, such as, as....as, similar to, different from, and of course, than. They imply a comparison is to be made.
   
   

2. If there are more than two things being compared, then you need to use superlatives (-est adjectives).

   Comparison (2 things)	Superlative (3 or more things)
   bigger than taller than more intelligent than more ambitious than	the biggest the tallest the most intelligent the most ambitious
   between	among/amongst

   
   

3. When you are comparing people or things, it is in general better to use like, unlike, or not unlike. For example

   Like you, I enjoy ice cream (like because we are comparing the two of us).

   When comparing actions, as or just as are more appropriate. For example

   As you do, I enjoy ice cream (as because here we are comparing our enjoying ice cream).

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