Conversation Lesson 27
 
 
 
 
Lesson 27 - Comparing

Dialogs for everyday use. Short situational dialogs for students of English as a Foreign (EFL) or Second (ESL) Language.
Quick Links
Conversation
Beginner
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Comparing

Jean: I think this material is much prettier than that, don’t you?

Lois: Well, I don’t know. I like them both. Why do you like that one better?

Jean: Well, the design is more interesting and the colors are brighter. And it’s not as expensive, either.

Lois: Oh, I see what you mean. And besides, these colors are more becoming to you.

Jean: Do you really think so? I’ll buy it, then.
Conversation Notes
  • I think this material
  • Note that the conjunction that introduces an indirect statement is often omitted in casual conversation.
  • much prettier
  • Much is a common intensifier for comparative adjectives and adverbs: much harder, much more difficult, much less useful, etc. A lot is also used for this purpose: a lot prettier, a lot more practical, a lot more expensive.
  • that
  • Meaning is that material.
  • don’t you
  • The rising intonation indicates a true question, requiring an answer.
  • I like them both
  • Meaning is I like both of them. That one refers to a piece of material apparently near the first speaker, who referred to it as “this material.”
  • I see what you mean
  • Meaning is I understand (why you like it).
  • these colors are more becoming to you
  • The strong stress on are indicates, in this case, something like: Now that I have really thought about it…, or Taking everything into consideration…
  • becoming to you
  • Becoming is an adjective meaning suitable in appearance; having an attractive effect.
  • then
  • Meaning is in that case; since that is so.
Source: U.S. State Department
Additional Conversation Lessons
Conversation

This is a collection of 36 situational conversations which focus on spoken American English in a relatively natural way....these lessons are for intermediate students.
Conversation

This is a collection of 30 situational conversations. Each conversation is accompanied by language notes....these lessons are for advanced students.
Conversation

English conversation lessons. 52 lessons covering pronunciation, speaking, writing, and grammar topics....these lessons are for beginning students.
Conversation

English conversation lessons. 30 lessons focusing mostly on communication and grammar topics....these lessons are for intermediate students.