The Use of the Modifier More in English

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The term “more” is a flexible word that changes the meaning of other words in English and is used in many situations. It is often used to compare things, but it can also be an adverb and a word that comes before nouns to show amount. This article wants to explain the different ways “more” changes nouns. But it’s also necessary to know that “more” is different from “most,” which is talked about on another page.

Comparative Form

One of the prevalent applications of “more” is in the comparative form. This involves using “more” with adjectives of more than one syllable (except those ending in ‘y’) to indicate a larger degree of a certain quality. The converse, “less,” is used similarly to denote a reduced degree of quality. For instance, “This hike is less dangerous than the one we took last week.”

Examples:

My history class is more interesting than my math class.
New York is more expensive than Seattle to visit.

More + Noun = Determiner

“More” can function as a determiner before a noun to signify a greater quantity of something. However, when speaking generally, the preposition “of” is omitted. Plural form is used for referring to countable items or people in a general sense, while the singular form is reserved for uncountable objects. For instance, “There are more students this year” and “We need more rice.”

Examples:

It’s important to consume more fruit during the summer.
There are more books to explore in the next room.

More of + Determiner + Noun

When referencing a specific thing or group, “more of” is employed with articles and other determiners. This rule applies to both people and objects. “The” is utilized when referring to a specific object recognized by both the speaker and listener, whereas “a” is employed when discussing something with an unknown specific instance.

Examples:

He possesses more of a thoughtful nature than you might realize.
I’ll have to utilize more of this class to explain the present perfect.

More Alone

In certain scenarios, it is evident which noun “more” modifies. For instance, in a restaurant, a server might ask if you desire more, referring to coffee, water, etc. When the context is clear, the noun can be omitted.

Examples:

Would you like more? – Certainly, I’d appreciate more. (Mother speaking to a child about cake)
I wish I had more, but the current economy is challenging. (Friend discussing money)

Number + More + Noun + Infinitive

Combining a number with “more,” a noun, and an infinitive conveys the idea of having additional tasks to complete. “One more… to do” can be replaced with “another… to do.”

Examples:

There are three more tests to grade today.
Jennifer requires two more credits to graduate.

More as an Adverb

“More” can serve as an adverb to denote an escalation in an action or feeling. The opposite form is “less.” For example, “I appreciate him more each time I encounter him” or “I appreciate him less every day.”

Examples:

I find him more appealing with each interaction.
She desires more every time we converse.

More and More

When you see the words “more and more” before an adjective, it means that something is happening more often or becoming stronger. On the other hand, if you come across the phrase “less and less,” it suggests that something is happening less often or getting weaker. For example, you might say, “She’s becoming more and more confident in her public speaking skills,” to show her growing self-assurance. On the contrary, you could use “less and less” in a sentence like, “He’s been going to the gym less and less lately,” indicating his decreasing frequency of visits.

Incorporating the modifier “more” into English allows for diverse expressions and amplifications in communication. By mastering its various applications, learners can enhance their language skills and effectively convey nuances of quantity, degree, and change.

Exercises:

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences by choosing the correct form of “more” or its related phrase from the options given.

My new laptop is ______ powerful than my old one. a) more b) less c) more and more
We need to buy ______ vegetables for the party. a) more b) less c) more of
Could you please bring ______ chairs for the guests? a) more b) less c) more of
This book is becoming ______ difficult to understand with each chapter. a) more b) less c) more and more
Mary needs to complete ______ assignments before the deadline. a) more b) less c) more of

Exercise 2: Choose the Correct Option

Select the appropriate option to complete each sentence.

Paris is ______ expensive than Rome. a) more b) less c) more and more
The students are showing ______ interest in learning mathematics. a) more b) less c) more of
Sarah wants to eat ______ fruit to improve her health. a) more b) less c) more of
John is getting ______ nervous as the presentation approaches. a) more b) less c) more and more
The store has run out of bread. Could you please buy ______? a) more b) less c) more of