What are Double Comparatives?

Double comparatives occur when two comparative forms are used together unnecessarily in a sentence. Comparatives are used to show a difference between two things and typically take the form of either:

• Adding “-er” to the end of short adjectives/adverbs (e.g., “smarter,” “faster”).
• Using the words “more” or “less” with longer adjectives/adverbs (e.g., “more interesting,” “less important”).

Common Mistake: Double Comparatives

A double comparative happens when you combine both methods incorrectly, for example:

• ❌ “She is more happier today.”
• ❌ “This problem is more easier to solve.”

In these cases, both the “-er” ending and the word “more” are used together, which is unnecessary and grammatically incorrect.

How to Avoid Double Comparatives

1. Choose One Comparative Form

Rule: Use either “-er” or “more/less” with an adjective or adverb, not both.

• ✔️ Correct: “She is happier today.”
• ✔️ Correct: “This problem is easier to solve.”
• ❌ Incorrect: “She is more happier today.”
• ❌ Incorrect: “This problem is more easier to solve.”

2. Know When to Use “More” or “-er”

• Use “-er” for one-syllable words and some two-syllable words ending in “-y”:
  • Examples: “taller,” “older,” “happier.”
• Use “more” or “less” for adjectives/adverbs with two or more syllables (not ending in “-y”):
  • Examples: “more difficult,” “more beautiful,” “less exciting.”

3. Watch for Comparative Phrases

Phrases like “much more,” “a lot more,” or “slightly less” are correct and enhance a comparative without becoming a double comparative:

• ✔️ Correct: “This project is much more complicated than the last one.”

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct form:

1. This book is ___ (more interesting / interestinger) than the last one.
2. He is ___ (taller / more taller) than his brother.
3. The new rules are ___ (more stricter / stricter) than before.

Answers:

1. more interesting
2. taller
3. stricter