Using "not any" as a Negative Comparison

A2 Eiken Pre-2 Elementary

not any + comparative adjective/adverb + than

Explanation

Use "not any + comparative" to say there is no difference, or no extra amount.

For example, "This box is not any heavier than that one." Here, "This box" is the thing we talk about, and "is" links it to the adjective. "Not any heavier" means there is no extra weight, and "than that one" shows what we compare it with. In Japanese, you can say "あちらより少しも重くない" or "重さは変わらない". Do not add another comparative word like "more heavier."

Examples

  • This box is not any heavier than that one. この箱はあちらの箱より少しも重くありません。
  • My new phone is not any faster than my old one. 私の新しいスマホは、古いスマホより少しも速くありません。
  • The coffee here is not any better than the coffee at home. ここのコーヒーは家のコーヒーより少しもおいしくありません。
  • Why is this room not any bigger than the other room? どうしてこの部屋は、あの部屋より少しも広くないのですか。
  • Her answer was not any clearer than it was before the meeting. 彼女の答えは、会議前と比べて少しも明確ではなかった。
  • The hotel was not any closer to the station than we expected. そのホテルは、私たちが思っていたより駅に少しも近くありませんでした。

Common Mistakes

Japanese learners often add "more" to the comparative, and say "not any more heavier" or "not any more bigger." Use one comparative form only: "This box is not any heavier than that one." Also, remember to keep "than" after the comparative.

Ready to practice? Try a quick fill-in-the-blank quiz on this grammar point.