comparative + than + noun phraseUse than after a comparative form when the second part is a noun phrase.
Comparison Clauses
B2Use than after comparatives, as ... as for equality, and as if / as though for appearance or unreal impression.
What you'll learn
- Choose than after comparative forms like faster or more useful.
- Build as ... as patterns to show equal degree.
- Add a full clause after than when the second part has its own verb.
- Add a full clause after as ... as when you compare actions.
- Use as if and as though after looks, sounds, and feels.
- Use a past form after as if or as though when the meaning is unreal.
Structure
as + adjective/adverb + as + noun phraseUse as ... as to show equal degree.
comparative + than + clauseUse a clause after than when the second part has its own verb.
as + adjective/adverb + as + clauseUse a clause after the second as when the second part has its own verb.
main clause + as if/as though + clauseUse as if or as though after verbs of appearance, sound, and feeling.
main clause + as if/as though + past formUse a past form after as if or as though when the meaning is unreal or doubtful.
Build a sentence
Pattern
Prompt
TomrunsfasterthanAnna does
Tom runs faster than Anna does.
Use than after a comparative form like faster.
When to use
Comparing things
Compare people, objects, prices, speed, and other qualities: This phone is cheaper than mine.
Equal degree
Show that two things are equal in one quality: Maria is as organized as Lisa.
Comparing actions
Use a clause when both sides have verbs: Tom drives more carefully than Anna does.
Impression
Describe how something seems from appearance, sound, or feeling: It smells as though something is burning.
Markers
thanas ... asas ifas thoughmore thanless than
In contrast
vs as-as-comparison
Use this rule for full comparison clause patterns. Use as-as-comparison for the basic equality pattern without extra clause focus.
Common mistakes
Wrong
Mia is taller her brother.
Correct
Mia is taller than her brother.
After a comparative form like taller, you need than before the second part.
Wrong
Leo is as tall Tom.
Correct
Leo is as tall as Tom.
The equality pattern has two parts: as + adjective + as.
Wrong
Tom works longer hours than I.
Correct
Tom works longer hours than I do.
When you compare two actions, the second part needs its own verb.
Wrong
He spends money as if he is rich, but he has no job.
Correct
He spends money as if he were rich, but he has no job.
Use a past form after as if when the idea is unreal, not true, or only an impression.
Common misconceptions
❝ Than and as can replace each other in comparison patterns. ❞
Use than after a comparative form and as ... as for equality. They do different jobs.
❝ After as if, the verb should always stay in the present if the main sentence is present. ❞
After as if or as though, the verb form shows meaning, not just time. Use a past form for unreal meaning.
Skills in this rule (6)
THAN_AFTER_COMPARATIVEw5Use than after a comparative form
After better, faster, more expensive, and similar comparison forms, use than to introduce the second part of the comparison.
AS_AS_FOR_EQUALITYw5Use as ... as to show equal degree
Use as + adjective or adverb + as when two people, things, or actions are equal in one quality.
CLAUSE_AFTER_THANw4Build a full clause after than when you compare actions
When the second part has its own verb, use a clause after than: than I do, than she was, than they expected.
CLAUSE_AFTER_AS_ASw4Build a full clause after as ... as when you compare actions
When the second part has its own verb, use a clause after the second as: as I do, as she did, as they can.
AS_IF_AS_THOUGH_APPEARANCEw4Use as if and as though for appearance and impression
Use as if or as though when something seems true from appearance, sound, or feeling: It looks as if..., He sounds as though....
PAST_AFTER_AS_IF_UNREALw5Use a past form after as if or as though for unreal meaning
When the speaker shows that the impression is not true or is doubtful, use a past form after as if or as though: He talks as if he knew everything.