Adjective Comparison: Practised Through Letter-Writing
Instructions: Complete the 16 gaps using the lettered adjective list below. Each gap has a reference number and a letter showing which adjective to use. Use the adjective in the correct form. You may need to use an adjective more than once. Type the missing word or phrase into each box.
Koyoko Car Company
Saitama, Japan
Dear Mr Austin,
I have just read your recent advertisement in The Times and I wish to correct your description of Japanese cars.
I am happy to tell you that Japanese cars are (h) than English cars in every way.
Firstly, they are (k) than English cars. Your advertisement wrongly claimed that English cars were as (k) as Japanese cars.
Secondly, our cars are more (e) than yours. They are (l) than yours and use less petrol.
Finally, our cars are (b) than yours, so our sales are much (i) than yours. Also, our after-sales service is much (h) than yours. Your guarantee is not (d) as ours.
I hope your next advertisement will be more (a) than your last one.
Yours sincerely,
Mr Eiji Fujita
[Sales Manager]
Power Car Company
Brighton, England
Dear Mr Fujita,
What you say about Japanese cars is partly true, but they are not (h) than English cars in every way.
Firstly, English cars are (f) than Japanese ones. Also, they are (c) .
Secondly, they give (j) trouble, so they do not need much after-sales service. Our customers have (g) problems than yours.
Finally, English cars are just (b) as yours. If you don't believe me, buy the new Power 2000 and see for yourself.
I enclose an order form and look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
James Austin
[Marketing Manager]
Adjectives and words to use
The list is alphabetical and lettered. The letter beside each numbered gap identifies the adjective to use. Each adjective is shown in its base form, comparative form and superlative form.
| Letter | Adjective | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|---|---|---|
| a | accurate | more accurate | most accurate |
| b | cheap | cheaper | cheapest |
| c | comfortable | more comfortable | most comfortable |
| d | comprehensive | more comprehensive | most comprehensive |
| e | economical | more economical | most economical |
| f | fast | faster | fastest |
| g | few | fewer | fewest |
| h | good | better | best |
| i | great | greater | greatest |
| j | little | less | least |
| k | safe | safer | safest |
| l | small | smaller | smallest |
Tip: Comparisons often use -er + than, more + adjective + than, or as + adjective + as. Use less with uncountable nouns such as “trouble” and fewer with plural countable nouns such as “problems”.