What Are Double Comparatives?

A double comparative happens when you incorrectly use two comparative forms in the same sentence, which can sound awkward or incorrect. Comparative forms are used to show a comparison between two things, usually by adding -er to adjectives (e.g., smaller, bigger) or using more or less before an adjective (e.g., more beautiful).

Incorrect Example (Double Comparative):

• This car is more faster than that one.

In this example, both more and faster are comparative forms, which is unnecessary. You only need one!

Correct Version:

• This car is faster than that one.

How to Avoid Double Comparatives

1. Choose One Comparative Form
   For short adjectives (usually one syllable), add -er:
   • fast → faster
   • big → bigger

   For longer adjectives (two syllables or more), use more or less before the adjective:

   • interesting → more interesting
   • expensive → more expensive
2. Don’t Use “More” or “Less” with Comparatives Ending in -er
   Avoid using more or less if the adjective already ends with -er. For example:
   • ❌ Incorrect: He is more taller than me.
   • ✅ Correct: He is taller than me.
3. Use “More” or “Less” for Longer Adjectives
   When using adjectives that are more than one syllable, use more or less and never add -er:
   • ❌ Incorrect: She is beautifuller than her sister.
   • ✅ Correct: She is more beautiful than her sister.

Examples of Common Double Comparative Mistakes

1. Incorrect: This book is more better than that one.
   Correct: This book is better than that one.
2. Incorrect: He runs more faster than I do.
   Correct: He runs faster than I do.

Quick Practice: Avoid Double Comparatives!

Fill in the blanks with the correct comparative form:

1. She is ______ (more/less/taller) than her brother.
2. The red car is ______ (faster/more faster) than the blue one.
3. This recipe is ______ (more delicious/deliciouser) than the one I tried last week.

Answers:

1. She is taller than her brother.
2. The red car is faster than the blue one.
3. This recipe is more delicious than the one I tried last week.

Learning Tip:

Pro Tip: If the adjective has just one syllable, use -er (e.g., smaller). If it’s longer, use more (e.g., more beautiful).