"More" vs. "Most" in the English Grammar (2024)

FAQs

"More" vs. "Most" in the English Grammar? ›

The usage of more and most can often be confusing to the non-native language speaker, although there is a difference between these two words. In a general sense, more is used when referring to a greater or additional amount or degree. Most, on the other hand, is used when referring to greatest in amount or degree.

What Are Their Main Differences? Basically, the term 'more' refers to a larger amount or degree, while 'most' refers to the largest amount or degree. In other words, 'more' is considered a comparative form, while 'most' is considered a superlative form.

Adjectives with three or more syllables form the comparative by putting more in front of the adjective, and the superlative by putting most in front.

With most one-syllable adjectives, we add –er or –est, and with most adjectives with two syllables or more, we add more or (the) most.

More like me is similar to you. Most like me is even more similar or almost exactly like you.

Comparative adjectives will be preceded by more, and superlative adjectives will be preceded by most. Although there are several rules for writing in English, these rules often have irregularities and exceptions.

We use the quantifier most to talk about quantities, amounts and degree. We can use it with a noun (as a determiner) or without a noun (as a pronoun). We can also use it with adjectives and adverbs to form the superlative.

Generally, both words are quantifiers. Quantifiers are types of determiners in English. Specifically, these words are adjectives. More is the comparative form of the adjective many while most is the superlative form.

How do you use more in a sentence example? ›

Examples of more in a Sentence

Adjective I felt more pain after the procedure, not less. The new engine has even more power. You like more sugar in your tea than I do.

Since quiet is a two-syllable adjetive, the rule-of-thumb would make more quiet and most quiet the expected comparative forms; however, quietest and quieter are six-times more common (or, as many would say, "commoner." Both forms are correct, but the single-word construction is what the American ear expects to hear.

Some use -er/-est, some use more/most, and a lot can use either one. Cleverer, more clever, cleverest, and most clever are all correct. If you're ever unsure which form to use, look it up. A quick Google search will reveal if you're using the right form or not.

Adjectives with two syllables can form the comparative either by adding -er or by preceeding the adjective with more. These adjectives form the superlative either by adding -est or by preceeding the adjective with most. In many cases, both forms are used, although one usage will be more common than the other.

Comparative adjectives with three syllables use the words 'more' or 'less' because they are describing a comparison with one other noun. Superlative adjectives with three syllables use the words 'least' or 'most' because they are describing a comparison with two or more nouns to the highest or lowest degree.

The more he insisted he was innocent, the less they seemed to believe him. The more she learned about the case, the more suspicious she became. The more successful he became, the less happy he felt. It seems that the more you do for these people, the more they expect from you.

Adverbs follow the same rules as adjectives: One-syllable adverbs use the suffixes –er and –est. The skier who arrives soonest will win the race. Three-syllable adverbs use 'more' or 'most' in front of the adjective.

Largest, greatest (in magnitude), highest, most. maximal. maximum. greatest.