Question 1

Which adjectives use more instead of -er?

Accepted Answer

Adjectives with two or more syllables use "more" — for example, "more expensive," "more beautiful," "more interesting," "more comfortable." You cannot add -er to these: "expensiver" is always wrong. Two-syllable adjectives ending in -y are an exception — they use -er: "happier," "easier," "funnier." Some two-syllable adjectives can use either form ("cleverer" or "more clever," "narrower" or "more narrow"), but "more" is safer when you are unsure. The key test is simple: if the adjective has three or more syllables, always use "more." This is a basic rule tested from A2 level.

Question 2

Can I say more big instead of bigger?

Accepted Answer

"More big" is always wrong — "big" is a one-syllable adjective, so it must use -er: "bigger." The same applies to all short adjectives: "more tall" should be "taller," "more fast" should be "faster," "more old" should be "older." You also cannot combine both forms: "more bigger" is a double comparative and is never correct in standard English. This is one of the most common mistakes English learners make, and it is specifically tested in Cambridge A2 and B1 examinations. Remember: short adjectives always take -er, never "more."

Question 3

How do I make negative sentences with more and comparative adjectives?

Accepted Answer

There are three ways to make negative comparisons with long adjectives. First, you can use "less" + adjective + "than": "This book is less interesting than that one." Second, you can use "not as" + adjective + "as": "This book isn't as interesting as that one." Third, you can use "not more" + adjective + "than" for emphasis: "This test is not more difficult than the last one." The first two mean the same thing, but "not as...as" is much more common in everyday English. "Less" sounds slightly more formal. Choose "not as...as" in most situations — it sounds the most natural.

Long Comparatives (more + adjective) Exercises

Quick Rule

All 20 questions

Continue Practising

Comparatives and Superlatives Error Correction

Comparatives vs Superlatives

As...As Structures

-ed vs -ing Adjectives

Conditionals

Present Perfect