Comparing between categories

You will often have to compare the results of two different categories in the statistical information.

• Use a general comparative adjective + than The figures for France were significantly lower than the other three groups. | Levels of pollution were slightly better the following year. We often use comparative adjective + than when the difference is small and must be expressed as a percentage: The amount was 50% lower than the previous year. | The numbers were only 20% higher than the results before the change.
• Use adjective + as The figures were three times as high in France as in Germany. | The newer model was four times as popular as the older version. Adjective + as is particularly useful for large changes expressed as multiples: The figures were twice as high as the previous year.