Bigger or more big
Bigger is the correct term. It is the comparative form of big, correctly used to compare two things in English. Unlike multi-syllable adjectives that require “more” for comparison, big simply adds “-er” to form bigger due to its single-syllable structure. This rule helps distinguish comparative uses without “more,” streamlining learning and usage.
If you want to read more about why bigger is the correct term and see very helpful examples that will explain how to use bigger the right way just scroll down and check out the article!
Table of Contents
Description of bigger as a comparative adjective
The use of bigger requires a comparison to be made, whether explicitly stated or implied through context. It is an integral part of comparative sentences in English and is often followed by “than” when the comparison is explicitly made between two entities. The superlative form of big, used for comparing more than two entities, where one stands out as the largest or most significant, is biggest.
What tense is bigger used in
The adjective bigger is a comparative form and does not inherently possess tense because adjectives do not change form based on tense like verbs do.
Bigger can be used within sentences that are in the past, present, or future tense, depending on the context and the verb it accompanies. Here are examples in different tenses:
Past Tense: “The tree was bigger last year.”
Present Tense: “This house is bigger than the one we saw yesterday.”
Future Tense: “I think this project will become bigger over time.”
In each of these sentences, bigger compares two things in terms of size but the tense of the sentence is determined by the verb used (was, is, will become).
KEY POINTS
- Correct Usage: “Bigger” is the accurate comparative form of “big,” used for comparisons between two things.
- Rule Simplicity: For single-syllable adjectives like “big,” add “-er” to form the comparative (e.g., “bigger”). This contrasts with multi-syllable adjectives, which use “more.”
- Comparative Sentences: Using “bigger” necessitates a comparison, often explicitly made with “than,” and is a core element of comparative sentences in English.
- Superlative Form: “Biggest” is introduced as the superlative form of “big,” used when comparing more than two entities to identify the largest or most significant.
How to use bigger
Everyday usage:
Physical Size Comparison: When comparing the size of objects, people, animals, or places, indicating that one is larger than the other. For instance, “This house is bigger than the one we saw yesterday.”
Importance or Influence: Suggesting that one thing has more significance or impact than another. For example, “Taking this job is a bigger commitment than the last one.”
Intensity or Degree: Used to compare the level of strength, severity, or degree of two or more conditions or situations. For example, “The second storm was bigger than the first.“
Growth or Increase: Indicating an increase in size or amount over time or due to certain conditions. For example, “The company has become bigger since it was founded.“
Preferences or Desires: Expressing a greater preference or desire for one thing over another. For instance, “I have a bigger interest in science than in literature.”
Advanced Usage
Language is versatile and context-dependent, so there are more nuanced or specific uses of bigger depending on the situation or field. Here are a few additional contexts where bigger might be used:
Economic or Financial Scale: Referring to the economic size or financial magnitude of entities. For instance, “a bigger budget” or “aiming for a bigger market share.”
Emotional Impact: When comparing the emotional effect or significance of events or experiences. For example, “The loss had a bigger impact on him than I anticipated.”
Health and Fitness: In discussions about physical health, fitness, or bodybuilding, where bigger might refer to muscle size or body mass. For instance, “He’s aiming to get bigger by lifting weights.”
Quantitative Differences: In a more literal or mathematical sense, indicating numerical superiority. For example, “This dataset is bigger, containing thousands more entries.”
Comparative Analysis: In academic or analytical contexts, comparing theories, ideas, contributions, or impacts. For instance, “Her contribution to the field is bigger than previously understood.”
Environmental Scale: Referring to the size of geographical areas or features, such as “a bigger forest” or “a bigger part of the ecosystem.”
While these examples illustrate a broad range of uses, the specific context in which bigger is used can further refine its meaning. The adjective is flexible and can be applied in various additional contexts to convey comparative differences in size, amount, degree, or importance.
Tips on how to remember to use bigger instead of more big
Mnemonics and Memory Aids: Create a simple mnemonic or phrase to help remember the rule, such as “Big, bigger, biggest; no more, just bigger!” This kind of memory aid can make the rule more memorable.
One-Syllable Adjectives Rule: For most one-syllable adjectives, add “-er” to make the comparative form. Because big is a one-syllable adjective, its comparative form is bigger . This rule covers a wide range of adjectives and is a key reason why “more big“ is not used.
Examples of how to use bigger in a sentence for beginners
- I need a bigger backpack for school.
- My sister is bigger than me.
- The blue car is bigger than the red car.
- His dream is to have a bigger garden.
- She bought a bigger suitcase for her trip.
- We need a bigger table for our kitchen.
- They found a bigger apartment in the city.
- It is bigger than I expected.
- Who has a bigger appetite, you or him?
- This is bigger than anything we’ve faced.
- That one looks bigger ; what do you think?
Examples of how to use bigger in a sentence for advanced learners
- I’ve taken on a bigger role within the company, overseeing multiple departments and their integration into our overall strategy.
- You’ll find that the responsibilities you’re undertaking are bigger than those you’ve left behind.
- He’s negotiating a bigger deal than we’ve ever secured, which could significantly expand our market share.
- She’s leading a bigger project than our firm has tackled before, aiming to set a new industry standard.
- It represents a bigger challenge than previously encountered, necessitating a novel approach.
- We are part of a bigger narrative, one that transcends our individual stories and finds unity in diversity.
- Who among us is ready to tackle a bigger project, one that demands not just skill but true dedication?
- They are facing a bigger crisis than anticipated, pushing them to rethink their strategy. This opportunity, while seemingly bigger , does not align with our long-term strategic goals, leading us to pass on it for now.
Similar comparative adjectives to bigger
Comparative adjectives similar to bigger follow the same pattern of adding “-er” to the base form of a single-syllable adjective to create the comparative form. Here are several examples that are structurally similar to bigger:
Taller: Comparing height.
Example 1: “She is taller than her sister.”
Example 2: “The oak tree is not only taller but also has a bigger trunk than the pine tree, making it a prominent feature of the landscape.”
Shorter: Comparing length or height.
Example 1: “This path is shorter than the other one.”
Example 2: “Despite being shorter, the compact car has a surprisingly bigger trunk space than many taller SUVs.”
Smaller: Comparing size.
Example 1: “My apartment is smaller than yours.”
Example 2: “She moved from a smaller apartment to a bigger house, even though her new garden is surprisingly smaller.”
Faster: Comparing speed.
Example 1: “He runs faster than me.”
Example 2: “The cheetah is faster, but the elephant, being bigger, commands more respect in the animal kingdom.”
Slower: Comparing speed, indicating less speed.
Example 1: “Traffic moves slower during rush hour.”
Example 2: “Turtles are slower and bigger than most people expect, with some species living over a century.”
Brighter: Comparing luminosity or intelligence.
Example 1: “The sun is brighter today than it was yesterday.”
Example 2: “The moon appeared brighter and bigger on the horizon, captivating everyone’s attention.”
Darker: Comparing the level of darkness.
Example 1: “This shade of blue is darker than that one.”
Example 2: “The new model of the phone comes in a darker shade and has a bigger screen, making it very appealing.”
Lighter: Comparing weight or colour brightness.
Example 1: “Feathers are lighter than bricks.”
Example 2: “This laptop is lighter and has a bigger display than its predecessor, making it ideal for travellers.”
Warmer: Comparing temperature.
Example 1: “Today is warmer than yesterday.”
Example 2: “As the climate gets warmer, animals in colder regions are found to have bigger bodies to retain heat.”
Colder: Comparing temperature, indicating a lower degree.
Example 1: “The water in this pool is colder than in the other.”
Example 2: “The iceberg looked colder and was significantly bigger up close, a towering mass of ice floating in the sea.”
Bigger vs more big in American English
In American English, we use bigger instead of more big because of a simple rule: when an adjective has only one syllable (like “big“), we add “-er” to make the comparative form (“bigger“). For adjectives with two or more syllables, we often use “more” (like “more beautiful”). This rule helps keep the language easy to use and understand. So, bigger follows this rule because big is a short, one-syllable word.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
What is the comparative for big?
The comparative form of “big” is “bigger,” used to compare the size, importance, or intensity of two things.
Is more big grammatically correct?
No, ‘more big’ is not grammatically correct in standard English. The correct comparative form is ‘bigger’ for direct comparisons between two things.
Is bigger grammatically correct?
Yes, ‘bigger’ is grammatically correct. It is the proper comparative form of ‘big,’ used to compare the size or amount of two entities.
How do you say bigger in a nice way?
To convey ‘bigger’ in other and more formal ways you can use synonyms like ‘superior’, ‘surpassing’, ‘greater’, ‘larger’, ‘broader’, or ‘preponderant’.
How do you use big and bigger?
“Use ‘big’ to describe something large in size, extent, or importance. ‘Bigger’ is the comparative form, used to compare two items, indicating that one is larger than the other in some way.”
What is difference between bigger and biggest?
“‘Bigger’ compares two items, showing one is larger than the other. ‘Biggest’ is the superlative form, used when comparing three or more items to indicate the largest of them all.”
