Is It Correct to Say 'More Better'?

When it comes to the English language, precision in language use is crucial. Often, even the finest nuances in word choice can signal the difference between clarity and confusion. One common mistake that often arises is the use of the phrase 'more better'.

Understanding Comparative and Superlative Adjectives

No, it is not correct to say 'more better'. Adjectives in English have three distinct 'conditions,' which can be thought of as ordinary, comparative, and superlative forms. Let's illustrate this using the adjective 'good.'

The Ordinary Condition

The ordinary or base form of 'good' is 'good.'

The Comparative Condition

The comparative form of 'good' is 'better.' This is used to indicate a higher degree of a quality, such as 'She is better than he is in playing the piano.'

The Superlative Condition

The superlative form of 'good' is 'best.' This is used to indicate the highest degree of a quality, such as 'He is the best at solving puzzles.'

Using these forms correctly is essential to express comparisons accurately.

Common Phrases and Their Correct Usage

The phrase 'more better' is ungrammatical. Instead of saying 'more better,' the correct forms would be:

She is much better than he is. He is much more good than he is.

These alternatives use either 'much better' or 'much more good.'

Contextual Usage

While the phrase 'more better' is generally incorrect, there is one context where it might be used effectively. In certain contexts, such as in the workplace, someone might use 'more better' to emphasize the importance of a change. For example, in a performance review, one might say, “Sticking with this approach is more better for promotion.”

The Origin of 'More Better'

The phrase 'more better' is notably humorous and often associated with the Japanese language. In the 1970s, it became common in Japanese pop culture. A popular talk show in Japan featured a talent (which in Japanese is タレント) who used the phrase モアベター (moa better) to describe comparisons.

However, the usage of 'more better' is more appropriately used in a lighthearted or nonsensical manner. For instance:

'In terms of happiness, the more better the better.'

This playful reference to the grammatical error is embraced in certain circles and can be seen as a humorous linguistic joke.

Grammar Mistakes and Correct Alternatives

While it is true that comparative forms are used to indicate a higher degree, there are instances where alternative phrases are used. For example, when comparing qualities, one might use ‘much better’ rather than ‘more better.’

Let’s look at some examples:

Example 1: Comparison in Education

- She is much better at math because she spent more time studying.

- He is much more good at drawing than his sister.

Example 2: Comparing Work Performance

- She is much better at her job than he is.

- He is much more good at sales techniques than the rest of the team.

These examples demonstrate the correct use of comparative and superlative forms to make clear and accurate comparisons.