Special constructions with the comparative

In a previous post, we saw the formation of the comparative and superlative in

English. Today, we are going to deal with two special comparative constructions:
 The comparative of gradation or double comparative: two comparatives of
the same adjective connected by and. This structure is generally used with
the verbs get, grow and become and it implies constant change. (In
Spanish it translates as “cada vez más...”)
o -er and -er: It’s growing darker and darker. I’m getting fatter and
fatter.
o more and more: This situation has become more and more difficult.
Note that when we use more and more we don’t repeat the adjective
or adverb.
o less and less: Fortunately, her headaches became less and less
frequent, until they ceased altogether.
 Comparative of proportion: two comparatives preceded by the forming
parallel sentences. It is used to express proportional increase or decrease,
or two changes that happen together. (In Spanish it translates as “cuanto
más... más...)
o the  -er... the -er: The older you are, the happier you get. The
sooner, the better.
o the more... the more.../ the more... the less... / the less... the
less...:  The more I study, the less I know.

The more I study, the less I know

Image by betta design in Flickr
Idioms with comparisons
The comparative of equality as....as..., (not) so....as... is not a special construction
as such, but there are many idioms that contain a comparison of this kind. They are
mostly used in the description of people, and as all idioms, they cannot be
translated literally, but a similar expression must be found in the other language.
For instance, in Spanish, most of these comparisons will translate as comparatives
of superiority (más... que) rather than equality: As black as coal (más negro que el
carbón), as quick as lightning (más rápido que una centella), as pleased as Punch
(más contento que unas pascuas). A literal translation will not have any meaning at
all.