This parameter considers the relative word order of the adjective (Adj), comparative marker (M), and standard (St) in an attributive comparative construction. (This order may differ from that of a predicative comparative construction.[1]) If more than one marker is available, the strategy displaying the greatest morphological syntheticity[2] should be considered. Some languages can form comparative constructions without the use of a comparative marker.
Types:
StAdj: The order is standard, adjective; markers are not used.
AdjSt: The order is adjective, standard; markers are not used.
StMAdj: The order is standard, marker, adjective.
StAdjM: The order is standard, adjective, marker.
AdjMSt: The order is adjective, marker, standard.
AdjStM: The order is adjective, standard, marker.
MStAdj: The order is marker, standard, adjective.
MAdjSt: The order is marker, adjective, standard.
[1] The comparative structure functions as a predicate if the adjective – with or without a copula – is the predicate of a nominal subject (a comparee), as in (the tree) is taller than the house. It functions as an attributive if the adjective is the attribute of the noun, as in (the tree) that is taller than the house.
[2] The hierarchy of strategies is, therefore, the following: affixation > adposition > conjunction. If multiple strategies are used in a language, the first existing strategy to appear in the list is considered. If there is a conflict between the formal preference and the structure shown to be dominant in actual usage, the former should be chosen and the latter noted in the commentary.