Comparative Grammar in English: When to Use 'As' and 'Than'
Welcome to a comprehensive guide on the correct usage of 'as' and 'than' in comparative sentences. As English learners and native speakers often stumble upon the distinction between the two, it is crucial to understand the nuances and rules governing their usage. This article will provide you with clear examples and explanations to help you master these aspects of comparative grammar.
The Basics of Comparative Sentences
Comparative sentences are used to compare two elements in terms of their similarity or difference. They can be structured using 'as' to indicate equality or 'than' to indicate superiority or inferiority. Understanding these rules is essential for accurate communication.
Using 'As' to Indicate Equality
When employing 'as' to denote equality, ensure that both parts of the comparison are equal in value. The phrase 'as... as' is used to show that one element is as much or exactly of the same degree as the other.
Example: He is as tall as I am.
In this example, 'as tall as' indicates that the two subjects have the same height.
Using 'Than' to Show Superiority or Inferiority
'Than' is used to compare two elements and highlight one as being more or less than the other. This construction is essential for providing a degree of difference between the subjects of comparison.
Example: He is taller than I am. He is less tall than I am.
Here, 'taller than' or 'less tall than' clearly indicates the relative difference in height between the two subjects.
Comparing Probabilities and Likelihoods
In situations involving probabilities and likelihoods, 'twice as' is used to indicate a direct multiplication, while 'more than' or 'less than' is used to compare proportions without an exact multiplier.
Example: These people are twice as likely to die from heart disease as those people. These people are more likely to die from heart disease than those people. These people are less likely to die from heart disease than those people.
Using 'as' with 'likely' to indicate equality, 'more' or 'less' with 'than' to indicate a degree of difference, ensures the clarity and correctness of the comparative sentence.
Additional Examples and Clarifications
The distinction between 'as' and 'than' can sometimes be confusing. Here are some additional examples to further reinforce these rules.
Example 1:
These people are twice as likely to die from heart disease as those people.
These people die faster than those people.
Here, 'twice as' is used to denote a direct multiplication in probability, and 'faster than' is used to indicate a direct comparison in speed or likelihood.
Example 2:
These people are as likely to die from heart disease as those people.
These people have as much money as you do.
In these cases, 'as' is used to indicate equality in both probability and quantity, whereas 'than' would imply a difference or superiority.
Why 'As' is Used in 'Twice as' Phrases
The use of 'as' in 'twice as' constructions is rooted in the principle of exact comparison, which is why 'more likely than' is not used.
Why I Use 'As' and 'Not' 'Than':
For instance, it is correct to say: These people are as likely to die from heart disease as those people.
It would be incorrect to say: These people are as much likely to die from heart disease as those people.
The redundancy of 'as much' in this context makes it clumsy and nonstandard English. The 'as' here is necessary to maintain the clarity and correctness of the sentence.
Equal Likelihood:
Some constructs are specifically tailored to indicate equality of likelihood, such as: I have as much money as you do.
These constructions are designed to ensure that the subject is explicitly stated to be the same in quantity or degree, which is why 'more' or 'less' with 'than' is not used in such contexts.
Summary and Final Thoughts
Mastering the use of 'as' and 'than' in comparative sentences is vital for clear and effective communication in English. 'As' is used to denote equality, while 'than' is used to indicate a degree of difference. Understanding the nuances of these constructions will help you avoid common errors and improve your overall usage of the language.
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