Explanation
The … the … comparatives
Comparative adjective or adverb
We can repeat the structure: the + comparative + subject + verb to mean that one thing depends on another or that two variable quantities are related.
- The healthier you eat, the better you feel.
- The harder he works, the more stressed he is.
Note that when we have the verb be in this structure, we can omit it.
- The longer the wait, the more agitated the people become.
- =The longer the wait is, the more agitated the people become.
The more/the less + noun
You can also use a noun in the same structure instead of an adjective or adverb.
- The more exercise you do, the fitter you get.
- The less carbohydrates you consume, the healthier you will be.
The more/the less + clause
Or you can use the more/the less + subject + verb instead of using an adjective or noun.
- The more you read, the wiser you get.
- The more you know, the less you need to say.
The … the better
We can use the structure the + comparative adjective, the better to express preference in relation to the quantity or quality of something.
- Please, call me soon. The sooner, the better.
- A: ‘Isn’t this fridge too big?’ B: ‘No, the bigger, the better.’
