What is Comparison Clause? A subordinate clause used to compare two things mentioned in the main clause and subordinate clause, respectively, is called an adverb clause of comparison. We introduce it using either the relative adverb ‘as’ or the subordinating conjunction ‘than.’
Example
The man is younger than he looks.
The part written in bold in this sentence is a subordinate clause which is introduced by the subordinating conjunction ‘than’ and contains the subject ‘he’ and the verb ‘looks.’ When we begin an adverb clause of comparison with the conjunction than, we usually link it to a comparative adjective in the main clause.
He ran as quickly as he could.
In this sentence, ‘as he could’ is the subordinate clause. When we begin a clause of comparison with as we link it to an as in the main clause.
In adverbial clauses of comparison, we can omit the verb as it is understood.
Your phone is as expensive as mine. (the verb ‘is’ is omitted in the subordinate clause)
We trust him more than he. (the verb ‘does’ is omitted)
For equal degrees, use the following structure.
as/so + adjective/adverb + as
For a comparative degree, use the following structure.
Comparative adjective/adverb + than
Examples of Adverb Clauses of Comparison
The following are examples of adverb clauses of comparison. It is important to note that the case of pronoun should be the same in both the main clause and subordinate clause.
- My flat is more extensive than hers/her flat. (not than her)
- My brother is as intelligent as he is.
If an infinitive goes before as/than we usually place an infinitive (not a gerund) after it; similarly if a gerund goes before as/than we usually put a gerund (not an infinitive) after it.
- It will soon be more challenging to get a job than it is now.
- Or Getting a job will soon be more challenging than it is now.
- No one can write more quickly than Ahmad.
- You must work harder than I do.
- We came as quickly as we could.
- That boy is wiser than I. (we can’t use me here)
- We found her more clever than him. (not than he)
- This test is not as easy as we think.
- He is taller than I thought him to be.
- Is he as taller as you are?
- Our players are more experienced than their players.
