Grammar · Comparison
(Not) As … As
Two things are equal, or one is less. Learn the pattern with the film Megamind.
Grammar › Comparison › (Not) As … As
The rule in one sentenceUse as + adjective + as to say two things are equal, and not as + adjective + as to say the first one is less.
About the film
Megamind is a film from 2010. Megamind is a blue alien with a very big head. He wants to be a villain, but he is not as strong as Metro Man, the hero of the city. His best friend, Minion, is a fish in a robot body, and Minion is as loyal as a dog. Roxanne is a reporter who is as brave as any hero.
What does it do?
Sometimes you compare two things and there is no winner. They are on the same level. For that, put an adjective between two words: as … as.
Add not and the first thing is lower. It does not say how much lower. It only says the first thing does not reach the second.
The adjective in the middle stays in its plain form. Do not add -er, and do not use more. The pattern does the comparing for you.
In speech, not as often joins the verb be in a short form:
Megamind’s new plan is as big as the city. His old plans were not as big as this one.
Same adjective, big. With “not”, the old plans drop below the new one.
Visual guide
Teacher Teddy’s illustrated guide to this rule is being drawn — the full swipe-through infographic will appear here soon.
How to make it
as … as — equal
Megamind’s robot is as tall as a house.
Minion is not as tall as the robot.
not + as … as = lessIs Roxanne as brave as Metro Man?
Is / Are + person + as + adjective + as + …not as … as — less
Hal is not as good as a real hero.
Megamind doesn’t fly as fast as Metro Man.
With other verbs: doesn’t + verb + as … asIsn’t the city as safe as before?
A question with “not” often expects the answer “yes”.When to use each one
as … as — the same level
not as … as — below the other
Words that help: equal or less?
These small words often sit next to the pattern.
as … as → equal
not as … as → less
Common mistakes
❌ Minion is as kind than Megamind.
✅ Minion is as kind as Megamind.
Both sides use “as”. “Than” goes with -er words, like “kinder than”.
❌ Megamind is not as stronger as Metro Man.
✅ Megamind is not as strong as Metro Man.
Inside the pattern, the adjective stays plain. No -er.
❌ Hal has as much fans as Metro Man.
✅ Hal has as many fans as Metro Man.
You can count fans, so use “as many”. “As much” is for things you cannot count.
❌ Roxanne runs as fastly as Minion.
✅ Roxanne runs as fast as Minion.
“Fast” is the same for adjective and adverb. There is no word “fastly”.
One more thing
This part is a little harder. You can come back to it later.
Numbers before “as”. You can say how much bigger one thing is: twice as, three times as, half as.
✅ Megamind’s head is twice as big as a normal head.
✅ Minion is half as tall as the robot. (the robot is two times taller)
Practice: choose the right word
Eight questions. Choose one answer. You get the answer, and why.
1. Minion is as loyal ___ a dog.
The pattern is as … as → as.
2. Megamind is not as ___ as Metro Man.
The adjective stays plain → strong.
3. Hal has as ___ fans as Metro Man.
You can count fans → many.
4. Minion does not have as ___ power as the robot.
You cannot count power → much.
5. Roxanne runs as ___ as Minion.
No -er inside the pattern → fast.
6. The city is ___ safe as before. People are worried.
People are worried, so the city is less safe → not as.
7. Get to the tower as fast as ___!
The fixed phrase is “as fast as possible”.
8. Megamind’s head is twice ___ big as a normal head.
Numbers go before “as”: twice as big as.
Your turn
Choose one ending. Then listen to your sentence.
Every sentence here is correct. Pick the one that is true for you. Say it out loud too!
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