Learn equal comparisons in English: As…As and Not As…As. This guide explains how each is used, and when to use them. With clear rules and examples, it helps you speak more accurately and talk about your plans in English.

As…As and Not As…As: Making Equal Comparisons

Sometimes we don’t want to say that one thing is better or worse. We just want to say that two things are the same, or not the same. For this, we use as…as and not as…as.

Using “As…As”

We use as…as to say two things are equal.

Structure:

• as + adjective + as

Examples:

• Dublin is as expensive as London.

• This course is as useful as my last one.

• Winter is as cold as people say.

Using “Not As…As”

We use not as…as to say two things are not equal.

Examples:

• Cork is not as big as Dublin.

• This exam is not as difficult as I expected.

• February is not as busy as March.

This form is often softer and more polite than a direct comparison.

As…As vs Comparatives

Compare:

• Dublin is bigger than Cork.

• Cork is not as big as Dublin.

Both sentences are correct, but the second sounds less strong.

Using These Forms in Daily English

English learners often use these structures to talk about:

• cities and countries

• courses and schools

• prices and quality

Examples:

• Living in Ireland is not as expensive as I thought.

• My English is as good as last year, or better.

Common Mistakes

Dublin is as bigger as Cork. (wrong)
Dublin is as big as Cork. (right)

This café is not as cheap than that one. (wrong)
This café is not as cheap as that one. (right)

Final Tip

Remember: after as, we use the adjective, not the comparative form.

Learn equal comparisons in English: As…As and Not As…As. This guide explains how each is used, and when to use them. With clear rules and examples, it helps you speak more accurately and talk about your plans in English.