If a verb occurs in the second portion of the sentence, agus (not le) must be used for the second “as” in English. Tá Seaġán ċoṁ mór le Seumas, John is as big as James. Ní ḟuil sé ċoṁ láidir leis an ḃfear, he is not as strong as the man. Ní ḟuil sé ċoṁ maiṫ agus (as) ḃí sé, he is not as good as he was.
155. The comparison of superiority has three degrees—the positive, the comparative, and the superlative. The positive is the simple form of the adjective, as bán, geal. The comparative and superlative have exactly the same form as the genitive singular feminine of the adjective, as báine, gile.
156. The comparative degree is always preceded by some part of the verb is, expressed or understood, and in almost every case is followed by the word ná (or iona), “than.”
- Is gile an ġrian ná an ġealaċ,
- The sun is brighter than the moon.
- An fearr tusa ná do ḋearḃráṫair?
- Are you better than your brother?
157. In a comparative sentence the verb tá (or any other verb) may be used, but even then the verb is must be used.
Whenever tá (or any other verb) is used in a com-
