A2 Elementary Comparison and adverbs of manner
as … as
Lesson goal. After this lesson you can say two things are the same or not the same using as … as.
When to use it
- Saying two things are equal: Nam is as tall as Minh.
- Saying one is less: This film isn't as good as the first one.
- Rephrasing a comparative: smaller = not as big as.
Form
| Pattern | Example |
|---|---|
| as + base adjective + as | She is as old as me. |
| not as + adjective + as | He is not as fast as you. |
| as + adverb + as | He runs as fast as me. |
| as much/many + noun + as | I have as many books as you. |
Step by step
- Identify the two things you compare.
- Put the adjective or adverb in its base form — no -er, no more.
- Sandwich it between the two as.
- For 'less than', add not before the first as.
Two ways to say the same thing
| Comparative | as … as version |
|---|---|
| A is smaller than B. | A isn't as big as B. |
| B is older than A. | A isn't as old as B. |
| A and B are the same height. | A is as tall as B. |
Examples
Nam is as tall as his father.
This exercise isn't as difficult as I expected.
She speaks English as well as her teacher.
My phone isn't as expensive as yours.
I have as many friends as you do.
Today isn't as hot as yesterday.
Common mistakes
He is as taller as his brother. → He is as tall as his brother.
Between the two as you need the base adjective. The as … as frame already does the comparing.
She sings as good as him. → She sings as well as him.
Modifying the verb sings needs the adverb well.
This book is so interesting as that one. → This book is as interesting as that one.
Positive sentences use as … as. The so … as version is old-fashioned and only negative.
Memory tip
Picture the two as as hooks holding a sign. The sign between them must stay flat — the adjective keeps its base form.
Summary
- Equal: as + base form + as.
- Less: not as + base form + as.
- Never put -er or more between the two as.
Practise this lesson
Do exercises with an explanation for every question, take mini tests and track your progress on GrammUp.