What is the Comparative of Difficult?
The English language is rich with various grammatical rules and structures that help convey the nuances of meaning more effectively. One such structure is the comparative form of adjectives, which is used to describe how one thing is greater or lesser than another. When it comes to the adjective “difficult,” determining its comparative form can be a bit tricky due to its irregular nature. In this article, we will explore what the comparative of “difficult” is and how to use it correctly in sentences.
The comparative form of “difficult” is “more difficult.” This form is used to compare the degree of difficulty between two things. For example, if you want to say that one task is more challenging than another, you would use the comparative form. Here are a few examples:
1. The math problem is more difficult than the science problem.
2. This book is more difficult to read than the novel I read last week.
3. The hike was more difficult than I expected.
It is important to note that “difficult” is an irregular adjective, which means that it does not follow the standard pattern of adding “-er” to form the comparative. Other irregular adjectives include “good” (better), “bad” (worse), “little” (less), and “far” (further/farther).
When using the comparative form of “difficult,” be sure to pay attention to the context in which you are using it. For instance, in some cases, you may want to use “less difficult” instead of “more difficult” to convey that something is easier or less challenging. Here’s an example:
4. The yoga class was less difficult than the boot camp I attended last month.
In conclusion, the comparative of “difficult” is “more difficult,” and it is used to compare the degree of difficulty between two things. Remember that “difficult” is an irregular adjective, and it is important to use the correct form based on the context of your sentence. By understanding the comparative form of “difficult,” you can effectively communicate the level of challenge you are referring to in your writing and speaking.