Comparison/Contrast

Comparison and Contrast Paragraph

For this activity we will need to use some comparative structures.

Pattern 1
adjective or adverb in -er form + than + noun (noun phrase) or clause
More +adjective or adverb + than + noun (noun phrase) or clause

New York is bigger than Atlanta.
New York is more expensive than Atlanta.

Less (fewer) + noun (phrase) + than + noun (phrase) or clause. Use less with noncount nouns and fewer with count nouns.

I have less money than I thought.
Fewer people came today than yesterday.

Pattern 2

(not) as + adjective or adverb + as + noun (phrase) or clause. Not is placed before the first as if a negative comparison is needed.

Atlanta's public transportation is not as efficient as New York's.
He went as quickly as he could.

Pattern 3

Use while (or whereas) to show direct contrast. While is used in a dependent clause which shows one point of view or condition. A contrasting idea is put in the main clause.

While some people prefer spicy food, I just can't eat it.
John is very talkative, whereas his brother is quiet and reclusive.



Words for indicating Contrast:

unlike, different from, but , yet, however, nevertheless, on the other hand,
although, even though, while, whereas

Words for indicating Comparison:

like, just like, be similar to, be the same as, and...too, similarly, likewise, in the same way, just as


See also the posts for Transition Words and Conjunctive Adverbs .