• IELTS

Degree of Comparison Rules: How to Use Degree of Comparison in IELTS

4644 Reads
3 min Read

By:CANAM Group
Updated On:Jun 18,2024 05:28 PM IST

The Degree of Comparison in IELTS can provide the leverage to score high bands and get good scores.
It enhances your proficiency in grammar by comparing attributes of people, things, and actions.
It consists of three levels: positive, comparative, and superlative comparison.
Read on to learn more about the degree of contrast and how it is used in various situations.

Understanding the degree of comparisons in the IELTS is significant if you want to score high on the test. However, good command over grammar is essential for good language skills. In the same way, a strong command of the English language depends on the extent of one’s grammar. Therefore, it becomes necessary to understand how an adjective changes in English.

Moreover, the degree of comparison in IELTS allows one to express the quality or intensity of something. It helps to compare and contrast various entities in size, quantity, or quality. Understanding its rules and application is essential to making grammatically accurate sentences, especially for those pursuing the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). This article aims to provide the required information on rules with examples and practice questions to explain how to use the Degree of Comparison effectively.

Degree of Comparison Levels in IELTS

There are three types of Degrees of comparison in IELTS:

Positive degree of comparison
Comparative degree of comparison
Superlative degree of comparison

Let's explore these three levels of degree of comparison in IELTS and how they are used in different situations.

Positive Degree of Comparison

When an adjective is in its original form, it is referred to as a positive degree of comparison. Understanding the characteristics of a noun only helps when the adjective is in its original form.

Examples

The sky is clear.
The pen is light.
It is cold here.
Mango is sweet.

The Comparative Degree of Comparison

The comparative degree comes into play when two entities are being compared. Most of the time, the adjectives and adverbs follow the pattern by adding "-er" or the word "more" before the adjective and adverb. Here are a few examples of comparative degrees:

Positive	She is tall
Comparative	She is taller than her sister
Positive	He runs fast
Comparative	He runs faster than his friend

Irregular Comparative Form

Some adjectives and adverbs have an irregular comparative form and do not typically end with "-er" or more." Here are some examples:

Positive	Good
Comparative	Better
Positive	Bad
Comparative	Worse

Also read: IELTS Exam eligibility

Superlative Degree of Comparison

It is used when three or more entities are being compared. In this case, the adjectives and adverbs often add "-est" or use "most" before the adjective or adverb. Here are some examples for better understanding:

Positive	She is Intelligent
Superlative	She is the most intelligent student in the class.
Positive	It rains heavily.
Superlative	It rains the heaviest in this region.

Irregularities & Exceptions in Superlative Forms

Similar to the comparative degree of comparison, some anomalies exist in adjectives and adverbs in excellent forms. For example:

Positive	Good
Superlative	Best
Positive	Bad
Superlative	Worst
Positive	Far
Superlative	Farthest

Role of Adjectives & Adverbs in the Degree of Comparison

Adjectives and adverbs are used in the degree of contrast to modify nouns and verbs, respectively, or other adverbs. It is essential to note that some adjectives and adverbs have irregular forms, so use the proper forms based on the number of entities being compared. It is also important to carefully use the Degree of Comparison in IELTS.

Five Rules of the Degree of Comparison

Some rules and criteria for the degree of comparison are essential to remember. The rules are as follows:

The degree of comparison is used to compare adjectives and adverbs.
In a positive degree of comparison, the adjectives and adverbs are in their first form, allowing no comparison.
According to the comparative degree of comparison, two nouns can only be compared if they have similar or lack the same features. The primary indicator will be the suffix "-er".
After the comparative adjective, "then" is always used to indicate the relative degree of comparison.
The superlative degree of comparison determines the strength and intensity of nouns.

Also read: IELTS exam registration

Degrees of Comparison: Exercise

Jane is ________________ (tall) than her sister.
This book is the ________________ (interesting) one I have ever read.
John sings ________________ (well) than his friend.
The weather is ________________ (hot) it has been all summer.
She runs ________________ (fast) than her brother.
The movie was ________________ (good) I've seen in a long time.
This car is ________________ (expensive) than the one I saw yesterday.
The test was the ________________ (easy) one we have had so far.
The dog barks ________________ (loud) than any other dog in the neighbourhood.
It rains ________________ (heavy) during the monsoon season.

Answers

Jane is taller than her sister.
This book is the most interesting one I have ever read.
John sings better than his friend.
The weather is the hottest it has been all summer.
She runs faster than her brother.
The movie was the best I've seen in a long time.
This car is more expensive than the one I saw yesterday.
The test was the easiest one we have had so far.
The dog barks louder than any other dog in the neighbourhood.
It rains the heaviest during the monsoon season.

Conclusion

This blog discussed the degree of comparison in IELTS, an essential aspect of English because it allows us to compare or contrast entities. Mastering these rules and using them appropriately can boost your scores exponentially, which is crucial for those who seek to excel in their IELTS exams. Understanding the practices of positive, comparative, and superlative degrees, along with their exceptions, can help to improve both writing and speaking tasks, which leads to more effective and impressive performance.

Also read: IELTS Exam pattern

FAQ

What is the degree of comparison?

A degree of comparison is like a formula that categorises adjectives and adverbs into positive, comparative, and superlative forms, which helps to express intensity.

How do adjectives and adverbs form comparative degrees?

Most adjectives and adverbs add "-er" or use "more" before the word to form a comparative degree. However, some adjectives and adverbs can have exceptions to them.

What is the use of the superlative degree?

The superlative degree is used when three or more entities are to be compared. It also helps to indicate the highest or lowest degree of the described quality.

How can I use a degree of comparison more effectively in IELTS?

To use a degree of comparison more effectively, one can practise variety or structure, understand the context, and use adjectives and adverbs correctly in their comparative and superlative forms.

What are the irregularities in comparison?

Sometimes, certain adjectives and adverbs can have irregular comparative and superlative forms, such as "good" (better, best) and "far" (farther, farthest).

Get great articles direct to your inbox

The latest news, articles, and resources, sent straight to your inbox every month.

Popular Universities to Study Abroad

World class education waiting for you.

Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus

Hawkes Bay, New Zealand • 45 Programmes

Tuition Fee : NZD 18500-25200 / year

New Zealand Skills and Education College (NZSE) - Auckland CBD Campus

Auckland, New Zealand • 4 Programmes

Tuition Fee : NZD 18000-18500 / year

University of the West of England - Bristol - Frenchay Campus

England, UK • 154 Programmes

Tuition Fee : GBP 14000-16000 / year

Toronto Metropolitan University

Ontario, Canada • 65 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 31500-39000 / year

The University of Southern Mississippi - Gulf Park Campus

Mississippi, USA • 29 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 11500-12000 / year

Red River College Polytechnic - Stevenson Campus

Manitoba, Canada • 1 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 15000-15500 / year

The University of Winnipeg

Manitoba, Canada • 128 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 13500-22500 / year

University of Wolverhampton - Walsall Campus

England, UK • 21 Programmes

Tuition Fee : GBP 13000-21000 / year

View All Universities

Latest at CANAM

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

University Visit - Edmonds College, USA

Study in USA • University Visit

Vadodara • 11:00AM

In-Person Event

University Visit - Northeastern University

Study in Canada, USA • University Visit

Bangalore • 03:30PM

In-Person Event

University Visit - Roger Williams University, USA

Study in USA • Webinar

Hyderabad-Kukatpally • 12:30PM

In-Person Event

Top countries destinations

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland
Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland
Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales
Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria
Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia
Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland
La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria
LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland
Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland
Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland
Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay
Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland
Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland
Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland
New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland
The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

Kent state university Ohio
San Jose State University California
Wright State University Ohio
Clark University Massachusetts
Rowan University New Jersey
Arkansas State University Arkansas
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois
University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams

IELTS Online

- Live Classes

Blogs and Articles

Curated content to keep you updated on the latest education trends, news and more.

Best Countries to Study MBBS Abroad at Low Cost

Studying MBBS abroad is more than just earning a degree. It's about acquiring a globally recognised medical degree that opens doors to advanced medica...

Updated on • Dec 14,2024 04:17 PM IST • Courses in Canada

MBA in Finance in New Zealand

Did you know New Zealand has become an emerging destination for pursuing an MBA (Master of Business Administration) program? The number of MBA student...

Updated on • Dec 13,2024 05:05 PM IST • New Zealand

Education System in Singapore

Singapore, also known as the "Lion City," has one of the most holistic and innovative education systems in the world. The Organization for Economic Co...

Updated on • Dec 12,2024 05:03 PM IST • Singapore

Medical Courses in UK

Medical courses in the UK are recognised globally for their academic challenge, updated facilities, and comprehensive practical experience. UK Univers...

Updated on • Dec 10,2024 05:36 PM IST • study in the UK

MBBS in Germany

Studying an MBBS in Germany offers a pathway to a world-class education in medicine, attracting thousands of aspiring doctors from around the globe ev...

Updated on • Dec 09,2024 05:49 PM IST • Study in Germany

Letter of Motivation for Germany

If you are planning to study abroad, you must know that the SOP is the most essential document for the application process. In Germany, the same SOP i...

Updated on • Dec 07,2024 05:11 PM IST • Germany

Part-Time Jobs in Germany for International Students

Studying abroad is an experience of a lifetime, incorporating distinct incidents and events. Students are advised to work part-time to make this adven...

Updated on • Dec 06,2024 04:38 PM IST • Study in Germany

Health Insurance in Germany for International Students

Do you know that Germany has one of the world's oldest national health insurance systems? That's right, and the health insurance system of Germany dat...

Updated on • Dec 06,2024 04:05 PM IST • Study in Germany

Scholarships in Germany for International Students

For international students looking to pursue their higher education abroad, Germany is known as one of the most affordable study destinations. Its cre...

Updated on • Dec 06,2024 03:59 PM IST • Study in Germany

Study Permit for Canada

Planning to study in Canada? But in order to heading off to the land of the maple leaf, it's important to understand how to apply for a Canadian study...

Updated on • Dec 05,2024 05:04 PM IST • Study in Canada

Student Life in UK

The United Kingdom is home to some of the most renowned universities that provide learning opportunities to students nationwide. The country is known ...

Updated on • Dec 04,2024 04:46 PM IST • study in the UK

Master of Information Systems (MIS) in USA

In today's fast-paced and digitally-driven world, organizations increasingly depend on information systems to streamline operations, enhance decision-...

Updated on • Dec 02,2024 05:28 PM IST • USA

Bachelor of Nursing Courses in Australia

Are you passionate about helping others and drawn to the dynamic world of healthcare? A Bachelor of Nursing in Australia could be the perfect la...

Updated on • Nov 30,2024 03:16 PM IST • Australia

Study Medicine in Germany

Are you an international student planning to study medicine in Germany? We want to tell you are going in the right direction, as Germany hosts world-c...

Updated on • Nov 27,2024 05:34 PM IST • Study in Germany

Universities of Applied Sciences in Germany

Germany is gaining popularity for its top-notch universities of applied science, known as Fachhochschule. These esteemed institutes offer top-quality ...

Updated on • Nov 27,2024 05:22 PM IST • Germany

Student Life in Germany

Germany is known for its affordable education and top-class universities in Europe, but what is it like to become a student at a German univ...

Updated on • Nov 27,2024 04:18 PM IST • Study in Germany

Complete Undergraduate Admissions Guide to Study in Germany

Ever dreamt of studying in a land steeped in history and innovation? Germany, a powerhouse of education and engineering, beckons you with it...

Updated on • Nov 27,2024 03:54 PM IST • Study in Germany

PTE Score Chart 2025: PTE Exam Scoring System & Calculation

Most international institutions demand proof of strong English skills, making language proficiency tests a necessity to pursue higher education. While...

Updated on • Nov 26,2024 01:55 PM IST • PTE

Masters in Project Management in USA

Students with ISTJ Personality may have a successful future in project management as their sole personality aligns with the needs of an exceptional pr...

Updated on • Nov 26,2024 01:15 PM IST • USA

IELTS Speaking Questions

The IELTS exam is a popular way for people who want to study overseas, but don't speak English as their first language or where it's not spoken often....

Updated on • Nov 25,2024 03:45 PM IST • IELTS

Degree of Comparison Rules: How to Use Degree of Comparison in IELTS

Table of Contents

Degree of Comparison Levels in IELTS

Positive Degree of Comparison

Examples

The Comparative Degree of Comparison

Irregular Comparative Form

Superlative Degree of Comparison

Irregularities & Exceptions in Superlative Forms

Role of Adjectives & Adverbs in the Degree of Comparison

Five Rules of the Degree of Comparison

Degrees of Comparison: Exercise

Conclusion

FAQ

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland

Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland

Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales

Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria

Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia

Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland

La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria

LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

University Canada West British Columbia

University of Windsor Ontario

Dalhousie University Nova Scotia

Carleton University Ontario

Cape Breton University Nova Scotia

University of ottawa Ontario

University of saskatchewan Saskatchewan

University of regina Saskatchewan

University of guelph Ontario

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland

Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland

Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland

Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay

Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland

Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland

Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland

New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland

The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

University of Warwick England

De Montfort University England

University of West London England

University of Strathclyde Scotland

Aston University England

University of Bath England

University of Liverpool England

Durham University England

Newcastle University England

Kent state university Ohio

San Jose State University California

Wright State University Ohio

Clark University Massachusetts

Rowan University New Jersey

Arkansas State University Arkansas

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois

University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams

IELTS Online