The … the … comparatives

The … the … comparatives

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Comparative adjective or adverb

We can repeat the structure the + comparative + subject + verb to describe a cause-and-effect relationship between two things that depend on each other, where the degree of one action affects the degree of another. For example:

• The healthier you eat, the better you feel. (=If you eat healthier, you feel better.)
• The harder he works, the more stressed he is. (=If he works harder, he is more stressed.)

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.’