Explanations » B1+ Grammar Explanations » The … the … comparatives
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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.’