comparisons

[erin79]

I'm tutoring a Russian student in English, and she has a grammar question that I can't answer. (Not the first!)

When you write comparisons, when do you add the verb for the second subject, as shown below.

1. The number of students is greater this year than last year.

2. The number of students is greater this year than it was last year.

This is not the best example, but it's the first one I could come up with. Is there a rule for this, or is it writer's choice?

Thanks.

[MikeNewYork]

I'm tutoring a Russian student in English, and she has a grammar question that I can't answer. (Not the first!)

When you write comparisons, when do you add the verb for the second subject, as shown below.

1. The number of students is greater this year than last year.

2. The number of students is greater this year than it was last year.

This is not the best example, but it's the first one I could come up with. Is there a rule for this, or is it writer's choice?

Thanks.

As long as it is clear, it is writer's choice. The missing subject and verb are understood.

John is happier than I (am happy).
Sue loves John more than (she loves) me.
Class is longer on Monday than (it is) on Tuesday.

[erin79]

Thanks Mike.

[MikeNewYork]

Thanks Mike.

You're welcome, Erin.

[Coffa]

I'm tutoring a Russian student in English, and she has a grammar question that I can't answer. (Not the first!)
When you write comparisons, when do you add the verb for the second subject, as shown below.
1. The number of students is greater this year than last year.
2. The number of students is greater this year than it was last year.
This is not the best example, but it's the first one I could come up with. Is there a rule for this, or is it writer's choice?
Thanks.

Mike is correct that it's optional of course, but this is fairly basic grammar. I'd like to ask you what your confusion involves, particularly if your Russian student is paying you.