Comparisons of equality (quick question)

Question

For the most part everything has made sense until I came across this example in my online homework. "Marcos no es tan inteligente como Jorge." The sentence makes sense to me but wouldn't this be a comparison of inequality? the reason I ask is that I have not seen demonstrations of inequality in this format, that is using " tan" and "como". all examples in my text book and that i have seen in class use "más/menos que" format for inequality. So I guess what I am asking is:

1. is the sentence correct? "Marcos no es tan inteligente como Jorge."

2. is it the equivalent to this? Marcos es menos inteligente que Jorge"

My book and class made it seem like using "tan/como" was strictly for equality ( Marcos es tan inteligente como Jorge).

Thanks everyone

Answer 1

Both sentences are correct.

"Marcos no es tan inteligente como Jorge.". It means that Marcos is not as smart as Jorge, which means that he is smarter or not. Is not an exact affirmation.

"Marcos es tan inteligente como Jorge" It means both are smart.

Your sentences are correct, and you can use "No es tan ___ como___" and "No es más/menos que ___? if you want to deny the sentence.

i hope i help you.

okay, so it sounds like you are saying all structures of the sentences I listed are good. Thanks for you time. - jrjohnson735, Mar 19, 2015

ajjaa yes, your sentences are correct. keep going :) - cokee, Mar 19, 2015

:) - ian-hill, Mar 19, 2015

Answer 2

Both inequality and equality can be used with tan / como. The difference is using no or not using no - nothing more.