2.112 position of comparatives

If you choose a qualifying phrase or clause beginning with 'than' when you are using a comparative as a modifier, you usually put the qualifier after the whole noun group, not directly after the comparative.

• Kairi was a more satisfactory pet than Tuku had been.
• Willy owned a larger collection of books than anyone else I have ever met.

A comparative can also come immediately after a noun, but only when it is followed by 'than' and a noun group.

• We've got a rat bigger than a cat living in our roof.
• ...and packs of eighteenth century cards larger than he was used to.