What you noted
Read what you noted from Lessons 3 and 4. Was it "than/that," plural agreement, or something else?
Before you read what you noted, match each pattern name to its example.
The two patterns
Collected across Lessons 1–5
| Pattern | What appears | What it should be |
|---|---|---|
| that for than | Podocarpus is taller that Pittosporum. | Podocarpus is taller than Pittosporum. |
| Plural agreement | These shrub is drought-tolerant. | These shrubs are drought-tolerant. |
| -er for a long adjective | more thirsty | thirstier |
Check what the table above actually says.
1. Which pattern in the table is about subject-verb agreement, not word choice?
Hearing the difference
Than vs. that
| Word | Job | Example |
|---|---|---|
| than | Joins two things being compared | taller than Pittosporum |
| that | Introduces a defining clause, or points to something | that plant / the one that I chose |
The test: if a comparative adjective (taller, more tolerant, thirstier) comes right before it, it is than. If not, it is almost certainly that.
Match each word to its job.
Fix them
Each sentence carries one of the two patterns. Rewrite it.
1. Podocarpus is taller that Pittosporum.
2. These shrub is drought-tolerant.
3. Liquidambar is more thirsty than Podocarpus.
Choose than or that.
1. Podocarpus is denser ___ Pittosporum.
2. I chose the plant ___ tolerates shade best.
3. Oleander needs more sun ___ this spot gets.
Redo the comparisons
Task card
Your Lesson 3 comparisons, again
Say all five again, fixing than/that and plural agreement as you hear them.
- Say them aloud, not silently.
- Slow down specifically on than/that until it feels automatic.
- Say the full set straight through at the end.
Complete this reminder before you say your five comparisons again.
Say them aloud, not . Slow down specifically on than/that until it feels .
Automatic yet?
Did than/that still need conscious checking, or did it come out right without thinking? Be honest either way.
One more round — a fresh sentence.
1. Cercis is more tall than Liquidambar.
Before the next lesson
Homework. Think of a time a client wanted a plant that was genuinely wrong for the site. What did you actually say? Be ready to redo that conversation.
One check before you go.
1. What should you be ready to do next lesson?