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A comparative can stand on its own if the reference is clear:
The grey coat is longer This implies that the hearer understands that the grey coat is being compared with another coat or something similar. If two things of exactly the same kind are being compared, we can use the before a comparative in formal style: Which is (the) longer? (of the two coats) The grey coat is (the) longer (of the two coats)' However, if we need to mention each item, then we must use the after the comparative. When than is followed by a noun or pronoun it functions as if it were a preposition [> 4.7.3]; when it is followed by a
The comparison of adjectives
clause [> 1.53], it functions as if it were a conjunction, but note the
ambiguity of:
/ know him better than you This could mean:
/ know him better than you know him (than is a conjunction)
/ know him better than (I know) you (than could be a preposition)
We can avoid ambiguity by using e.g. than you do.
Examples with comparative + than. My room is better/cleaner/worse than the one next door Driving is certainly less tiring than walking A scheduled flight is more expensive than a charter flight It's pleasanter/more pleasant today than it was yesterday I feel less tired today than I felt yesterday
Comparison with than + adjective also occurs in fixed phrases, such
as (taller) than average, (more/less expensive) than usual
6.27.2 Comparatives with '-er and -er'
Two comparatives (adjectives or adverbs), joined by and, can convey
the idea of general increase or decrease:
Debbie is growing fast' She's getting taller and taller Computers are becoming more and more complicated Holiday flights are getting less and less expensive
More and more and less and less do not normally combine with
one-syllable adjectives.
6.27.3 'the' + comparative + 'the' This construction can be used with adjectives or adverbs to show cause and effect: when one change is made, another follows: The more money you make, the more you spend The more expensive petrol becomes, the less people drive
