What Is a Double Comparative? (with Examples)

A double comparative is a grammar mistake most commonly committed by using -er and more when forming a comparative (e.g., more prettier ).

The comparative form of an adjective or adverb is formed by adding the suffix -er or by placing more or less before. This is covered in the lesson forming comparatives.

Adding -er or more to a word that is already a comparative is called a double comparative. A double comparative is a serious grammar mistake. (Double comparatives are more common in speech than in writing. This mistake occurs far more commonly with the comparative form of adjectives than with the comparative form of adverbs.)

Examples of Double Comparatives

Here are some examples of double comparatives (shaded):

• She has become more wiser.
(should be wiser not more wiser)
• Adam was more better in my opinion.
(should be better not more better)
• Ireland is less windier.
(should be less windy not less windier)
• I know ice cream is more healthier for you than sorbet, but sorbet is far less tastier.
(should be healthier and less tasty not more healthier and less tastier)