23-4-4 Grammar: Advanced Comparative Structures

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 3

The rules for Adv. Comparisons

Four types are discussed in the book (p. 68, 134 and 135)

1. Combined Comparisons with the

2. Progressive comparisons

3. As and such

4. Contrasting two connected qualities

The rules for Adv. Comparisons

Combined Comparisons with the

the comparative adjective , the comparative adjective

This form is used to say that one thing depends on another thing or to show that two things can change together.

The earlier we leave, the sooner we'll arrive at the airport.

The closer to the beach, the more expensive the hotel is.

The shorter, the better. 

The rules for Adv. Comparisons

As and such

as + adjective + a noun as

such a + adjective + noun + as/that-clause

I wish I could  be as prolific a worker as my partner.

It was such a dark night that we got lost.

The rules for Adv. Comparisons

Progressive comparisons

Comparative adjective and comparative adjective

This structure is used to indicate that something is changing all the time:

English is getting easier and easier every day!

 

The rules for Adv. Comparisons

Contrasting two connected qualities

More adjective + than + adjective

Not so much + adjective + as + adjective

Adjective + rather than + adjective

I was more confused than angry when I received my grades.

Orvieto was very touristy rather than authentic.

Use of English: words with -ever

- “Ever” can be added to different words (who, what, which, how, when and       where)

This construction is used to emphasise that whatever is going on in the sentence, the situation cannot be changed.

            Whatever people say, I will always believe you.

- It can also emphasise the lack of restriction, in questions to emphasise       that you're surprised OR as a short answer in informal speech.

Use of English: phrases with ever

You can form short phrases with ever and an adjective: ever-present

You can also form this by combining ever with the present participle: ever-loving

These kind of expressions mean always, all the time

Use of English: phrases with ever

Ever so and ever such can be used in informal language use to imply something is very: The ever knowledgeable teacher.

Ever such is used before a noun: He's ever such a good travel guide.

As ever means "as always happens": As ever, we ate sandwiches for lunch.

With comparatives and superlatives ever can be used to give emphasis:

Many songs on their new record are weird and quirkier than ever. 

The rules for Adv. Conditionals

The rules for Adv. Conditionals

The rules for Adv. Conditionals

IF you want to write a basic sentence containing a conditional, you use if in the sentence. 

However, there are synonyms which can replace if. (E.g. as long as, providing that/provided that, unless, etc.)

You can borrow my pen, provided that you promise to return it.

The rules for Adv. Conditionals

You can omit if when you use inversion of past conditionals and when you use should and were to. 

(If) Should you wish to start the game, insert a coin.

Also! Sometimes you can replace past conditionals with but for.

If they had not supported me, I would have failed.

But for their support, I would have failed.

The rules for Adv. Conditionals

You use whether __ or not/Whether or not (NOT IF) to express alternative conditions. 

Time to practice (again)!

Page 68: do exercises 5 + 6

Page 69: do exercises 3, 4, 5 and 6

Page 80: do excercises 4, 5 and 6

Page 81:  do exercises 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

Finished? Go to page 134 and do the exercises from 6.3, 6.4, 7.3 and 7.4 (So page 134-138)

I will upload the key for the exercises on Classroom!