Subcomparative construction

A subcomparative construction is a comparative construction in which the standard expression is a complete non-elliptical clause.

Examples
In ordinary comparative constructions, the standard can be regarded as elliptical:


 * (i) Inga is older than Britta [...]. (= is old)
 * (ii) Inga found more mushrooms than Britta [...]. (= found mushrooms)

In subcomparatives, there is no ellipsis:


 * (iii) This door is taller than that window is wide.
 * (iv) Lee invited more men than Raj invited women.

Other languages
German Subkomparativ