Saying that one ladder is lighter does not tell us whether the difference is large or small. A modifier before the comparative makes that judgement more precise.

The idea

Use much, far or a lot for a large difference; slightly, a little or a bit for a small one. These can modify comparative adjectives and adverbs. Even highlights a further, often surprising degree, not a fixed size of difference.

Examples

  • This ladder is much lighter than the old one.
  • The new route is slightly shorter than the coastal road.
  • Your bag is far heavier than mine.
  • This room is a bit warmer than the hall.
  • Lea arrived a lot earlier than we expected.
  • These instructions are even more confusing than the first version.

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Watch out

Do not put very directly before a comparative: much lighter, not very lighter. Very much lighter is possible because much modifies the comparison. These words express a judgement; they do not specify an exact measurement.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the correct option. This ladder is ___ lighter than the old one. (much / very)

    Show answer or example answer

    much

    Much can modify lighter. Very cannot stand directly before this comparative.

  2. Choose the correct option. This room is a ___ warmer than the hall. (bit / very)

    Show answer or example answer

    bit

    The phrase is a bit warmer. A very warmer is not a grammatical way to modify the comparative.

  3. The difference is small. The new route is ___ shorter. (slightly / far)

    Show answer or example answer

    slightly

    Slightly matches the stated small difference. Far shorter would describe a large difference instead.

Use it today

Compare two objects or routes you know. Describe one small difference and one large difference, then add a number if you know the measurement. Explain why the number gives more detail than the modifier alone.