Comparative Adjectives

Suitable for Elementary CEFR A2+

Use #comparatives to compare two things. For example, Sarah is older than Tom, but younger than Peter. Here we are comparing two people - Sarah and Tom.

Comparatives: One-Syllable Adjectives

Add –er

Adjective	Comparative
Old	Older
Young	Younger
Long	Longer
Short	Shorter
Fast	Faster
Slow	Slower

e.g. My new car is faster than my old car.

       She’s older than her brother.

       Walking to school takes longer than driving.

Activity 1

Look up the meaning of each of these adjectives in a dictionary and make a sentence using the comparative form.

If the adjective ends in –e, just add –r

Adjec	Comparative
Late	Later
Wise	Wiser
Strang	Stranger
Simple	Simpler

e.g. The train is later than it was yesterday.

       He is wiser than the other men.

       Sometimes fact is stranger than fiction.

Activity 2

Look up the meaning of each of these adjectives in a dictionary and make a sentence using the comparative form.

Comparatives:

Adjectives That End in a Vowel + Consonant

Double the last letter and add –er

Adjective	Comparative
Big	Bigger
Thin	Thinner
Fat	Fatter
Hot	Hotter
Sad	Sadder

e.g. A whale is bigger than a shark.

       She’s thinner than me.

       Spain is hotter than the UK.

Activity 3

Look up the meaning of each of these adjectives in a dictionary and make a sentence using the comparative form.

Comparatives:

Adjectives That End in Y

Remove -y and add –ier

Adjective	Comparative
Happy	Happier
Easy	Easier
Busy	Busier
Dirty	Dirtier
Heavy	Heavier

e.g. I’m happier than I was when I woke up this morning.

      Maybe it’s easier than you think.

      The town is busier than it was yesterday.

Activity 4

Look up the meaning of each of these adjectives in a dictionary and make a sentence using the comparative form.

Comparatives:

Adjectives With 2+ Syllables

Add more before the adjective

Adjective	Comparative
Interesting	More interesting
Expensive	More expensive
Popular	More popular
Nervous	More nervous

e.g. Watching a movie is more interesting than studying.

       A house is more expensive than a car.

       In the UK football is more popular than basketball.

Activity 5

Look up the meaning of each of these adjectives in a dictionary and make a sentence using the comparative form.

Comparatives: Irregular

Adjective	Comparative
Good	Better
Bad	Worse
Far	Farther

e.g. Action movies are better than romantic comedies.

       The weather is worse than it was yesterday.

       The post office is farther than the supermarket.

Activity 6

Look up the meaning of each of these adjectives in a dictionary and make a sentence using the comparative form.

Leave your answers in the comments below. If you enjoyed this lesson, please follow my blog for more free English lessons.  

      

           

3 Easter Movies to Help You Learn English

Suitable for intermediate CEFR B1+

Watching movies is, of course, a perfect way to relax, but it's also great for practising your listening skills and learning new vocabulary. Today I will share with you 3 excellent Easter movies that will keep you entertained whilst improving your English skills.

If you're not confident listening to the rapid speech of native speakers, watch with the subtitles in English (don't have them in another language because you won't learn easily). It's a good idea to keep a notebook beside you to record new and interesting vocabulary. And don't forget, you can also pause and replay as much as you need! 

1. Monty Python's Life of Brian 

This classic British comedy from 1979 follows Brian of Nazareth, who was born in the stable next door to Jesus Christ on Christmas day and spends his life being mistaken for the messiah.

2. Chocolat

This 2001 romance drama starring Juliette Binoche, Johnny Depp and Judi Dench tells the story of a travelling chocolatier that arrives in a small village in France with her daughter at the beginning of lent. The story has many lovable characters whose lives unfold around the little chocolate shop.

3. Peter Rabbit

This is one to enjoy with the children. Originally a beloved series of books written by British author Beatrix Potter in 1902, the story and speech in this modern movie adaptation are easy to follow. 
 

What's your favourite movie to watch at this time of year?  Please comment below!

7 Easter Traditions in the UK

Suitable for pre-intermediate CEFR B1+


#Easter is a Christian religious holiday celebrated around the world that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the cross and his subsequent resurrection. Nowadays, Easter is also celebrated as a springtime cultural tradition representing the coming of new life for many atheists and people of other religious traditions living in countries with Christian heritage. The UK has a very strong Christian tradition, though Christianity is now declining as more people identify as non-religious. Here are seven Easter traditions that are common in the UK. 

1. Hot Cross Buns

These delicious sweet fruit buns are marked with the sign of the cross that represents the crucifixion of Christ. Traditionally eaten on Good Friday, the day of Jesus’ death, they are best served toasted with a little butter. Today you can find many gourmet hot cross buns available in supermarkets with different flavours, such as chocolate, apple, cinnamon and orange, though personally I think the original fruit bun is both cheaper and tastier! 

2. Decorate an Easter Tree

The tree, with long roots and branches, represents growth and the cycle of life, whereas the delicate painted eggs symbolise rebirth and the coming of new life. Many people in the UK decorate an Easter tree for their living room or dining room during the holy week and egg painting and decorating is a popular craft activity for children. 

3. Easter Eggs

Eggs have symbolised the resurrection of Christ throughout history, though the eating of eggs was originally forbidden during the holy week. Nowadays, the giving of chocolate eggs is probably the most popular and well-known Easter tradition worldwide. The first chocolate eggs appeared in France and Germany in the 19^th Century and the method has been perfected by chocolatiers across the world ever since. 

4. Morris dancing

This traditional English folkdance dating back to the 15^th Century is based on rhythmic stepping by groups of dancers usually dressed in white. Dancers often wear bells on their shins and clap sticks together or wave handkerchiefs in time with accordion music. Dancers may also wear ribbons and hats with colours to represent their county or region. Morris dancing performances are common during Easter weekend and May day to celebrate the coming of spring.

5. Roast lamb 

Sheep farming is common in parts of the UK including Wales, Scotland and North West England. Roast lamb is traditionally served on Easter Sunday in many homes as it is close to the lambing season. Roast lamb is usually served with roast or new potatoes and spring vegetables such as broccoli and carrots. 

6. The Easter Bunny

The rabbit, famous for giving birth to many babies called kittens, has long been a folkloric symbol of new life at Easter. It is thought that the Easter bunny first appeared in the 19^th Century, bringing baskets of coloured eggs and sweets to children or hiding them to be found on Easter Sunday. 

7. Easter bonnets

This tradition comes from a time when it was common for people to wear their finest new clothes to church at Easter, which often included a hat for women to cover their hair. Nowadays Easter bonnets are made in all sorts of strange and colourful designs as part of Easter or springtime festivals and parades.




Are there any strange or interesting Easter traditions from your country? Please share in the comments! 


#HappyEaster

Top 10 Best TV Shows to Learn English

Suitable for intermediate CEFR B1+


#EnglishTV #BritishTV

One of the most important factors in language learning is motivation. If you are motivated, you are much more likely to set yourself targets and enjoy learning. Watching TV shows in English is not only a great way to increase your motivation, it also offers authentic listening practice that will help you become familiar with the natural speed of conversation. If you’re not yet confident, listen with the subtitles on in English (don’t listen with subtitles in your own language, as you won’t learn easily). You can also pause and replay as much as you need! It’s a great idea to keep a notebook beside you to write new and interesting vocabulary.

These are my top 10 recommended TV shows for English learners. This list includes both American and British programmes and I’ve tried to include a range of genres to suit all tastes. You are bound to find something that interests you!

1. Breaking Bad 

 

#BreakingBad has been named the greatest TV series of all time. Walter White is an ordinary high school chemistry teacher. When he is diagnosed with cancer, he finds himself desperately short of money to pay his medical bills and embarks upon a new business venture with a former student, Jesse Pinkman, as a means of providing financial security for his family. However, things don’t go as planned and both characters become deeply involved in a dark criminal underworld with consequences neither of them expected. Adult viewing only.

2. The Tudors 

 

 

#Tudors This British drama follows the life and history of the infamous King Henry VIII and his six wives. Although this drama is not entirely historically accurate, it brings an important part of British history to life. There’s gruesome violence and a lot of sex. For adults only.

3. The Simpsons

 

 

#Simpsons The Simpsons is a long-running animated comedy series that follows the life of the Simpson family – Homer, Marge, Lisa and Bart, in Springfield, America. It is so popular, you’ve probably seen episodes in your language, but there can be nothing better than hearing it in its original English. The Simpsons is not just a cartoon series for kids, many of the jokes appeal to adults and children alike, and the language is perfect for English learners because it is simple to follow. The show will also familiarise you with many aspects of American life and culture, and with so many episodes, this series will certainly keep you busy for a while!

4. Friends

#Friends is a hugely popular long-running American sitcom following six friends living in New York City. The lovable characters and accessible comedy make this show a favourite. It was on TV for 10 years so there are plenty of episodes to keep you entertained whilst improving your English.

5. Black Mirror

 

 

#BlackMirror This British dystopian drama series explores the negative consequences of technology. Every episode is set in a different future or near-present reality with different characters and technology with different, dark and sinister consequences. This makes this show easy to dip in and out of whilst studying English. You don’t need to remember any complex plot lines, and you can choose any episode and watch them in any order. Age 15+

6. Sherlock 

 

#Sherlock puts a modern twist on the criminal investigations of probably the most famous detective in the world – Sherlock Holmes, and his assistant, Dr Watson. Mild peril with Benedict Cumberbatch. Age 12+

7. Doctor Who

 

#DoctorWho This British sci-fi follows the time-travelling adventures of an alien called ‘The Doctor’ and a group of companions as they travel across the universe in a spaceship disguised as a 1960s blue police box called the TARDIS. Fun for all the family.

8. Downton Abbey 

 

#Downton Historical drama set in the early 20^th century follows the life of a British aristocrat, his family and staff living on a grand country estate. A chance to learn more about British history and society while also practising your English. 

9. Top Gear

 

 

#TopGear One for the petrolheads. This extremely popular BBC motoring programme reviews vehicles from supercars to family hatchbacks, and includes a wide range of motoring issues, adventurous motoring challenges, special races and celebrity time-trials. Entertainment suitable for all the family.

10. Only Fools and Horses

 

#OFAH This classic British comedy from the 1980s follows the misadventures of Rodney and Del Boy Trotter as they work from the streets of London buying and selling what they can in the hope that they will one day be millionaires. London accents and plenty of slang! Fun for all the family.

So, there you have it. My top 10 TV shows to learn English. I wish you many hours of great entertainment!

Is there another show you love to watch to help you learn English? Tell me why in the comments.