❌ “More Better” Is Never Better

How TOEIC Tests Comparisons — and How to Get Them Right

TOEIC loves testing how things are compared. Not with fancy words — with small differences that change the meaning.

The trap? Using two comparison forms in the same phrase or guessing by sound instead of logic. Let’s fix that so you can spot the right choice every time.

1️⃣ “Better” vs “More Good”

Question:
This model is ______ than the older version.
(A) good
(B) more good
(C) better
(D) best

✅ Answer: (C) better — “Better” is already the comparison form of “good.” Never say “more good.”

Think of it as:
Good → Better → Best
(not “more good” / “most good”)

2️⃣ Comparing Two Points in Time

Question:
The Tokyo branch performed ______ this quarter than last.
(A) best
(B) better
(C) most
(D) more

✅ Answer: (B) better — Comparing two quarters means you use “better.”
❌ (A) “best” is for three or more things. (C) and (D) don’t fit the meaning here.

3️⃣ When to Use “-er” vs “More”

Rule of thumb (no jargon):

  • Short words → add -er (cheaper, faster)

  • Longer words → use “more” (more expensive, more flexible)

Question:
This software is ______ than the old version.
(A) more useful
(B) usefuller
(C) most useful
(D) most usefuller

✅ Answer: (A) more useful — “Useful” is a longer word, so “more” is correct.

4️⃣ “Better” vs “Best”

  • Better = compare two

  • Best = compare three or more

Question:
She is the ______ speaker in the team.
(A) better
(B) best
(C) more better
(D) most best

✅ Answer: (B) best — We’re comparing within a group of three or more.

5️⃣ Avoiding Double Comparisons

Never mix more/most with -er/-est in the same word.

Wrong: more better, most fastest, more smarter, the most best
Right: better, fastest, smarter, the best

Question:
This route is the ______ way to get to the station.
(A) most fastest
(B) fastest
(C) more faster
(D) fasterest

✅ Answer: (B) fastest — Already the strongest form, so no “most” needed.

6️⃣ TOEIC Clues for the Right Form

  • than → use “better” or “more” (comparison of two)

  • of all / in the company → use “best” or “most” (group comparison)

Example 1:
He runs ______ than anyone else. → faster / better

Example 2:
She is the ______ manager in the company. → best

📌 Strategy / Takeaway

  1. Use -er for short words, “more” for longer ones.

  2. “Better” for two things, “best” for three or more.

  3. Only one comparison word — never double up.

  4. Use number clues (“than” = two; “of all” = group).

Final Word

TOEIC comparisons aren’t about guessing what sounds nice — they’re about spotting the right form for the meaning. Drop the “more better” habit and you’ll grab easy points every time.

For more strategies and resources to master TOEIC comparison traps, visit the English Library Collection and start locking in comparison confidence today.

FAQ (EN) — Comparatives & Superlatives Q: Can I say “more better” in TOEIC? A: No. “Better” already shows comparison. Saying “more better” is wrong. Q: What’s the difference between better and best? A: Use “better” to compare two things. Use “best” when comparing three or more. Q: Is it correct to say “more good”? A: No. Say “better” instead. “More good” is incorrect English. Q: When should I use “more” vs “-er” endings? A: Use “-er” for short words (like faster). Use “more” for longer ones (like more interesting). Q: Why is “most fastest” wrong? A: “Fastest” already shows the highest level. Adding “most” is a double comparison. Q: Can I use “less” instead of “more”? A: Yes — if you are showing something is smaller or lower in amount or quality. Example: “less expensive.” Q: What’s wrong with “the most best”? A: “Best” already means “number one.” Don’t add “most.” Just say “the best.” Q: How do I choose between “smarter” and “more smart”? A: “Smarter” is correct. Use “-er” with short words like “smart.” Q: Can I say “gooder” in TOEIC? A: No. “Good” changes to “better,” not “gooder.” Q: When do I use “the most” in TOEIC? A: Use it when comparing three or more items. Example: “the most expensive option.” Q: What’s the rule for “better than” vs “the best”? A: “Better than” is used in a direct comparison. “The best” is for the top item in a group. Q: Can I say “the more better option”? A: No. That’s a double comparison. Just say “the better option.” Q: How can I tell if a sentence needs better or best? A: Look for clues: if comparing two, use “better.” If it’s about the top one overall, use “best.” Q: Is “more easier” correct in TOEIC? A: No. “Easier” already shows comparison. Just say “easier.” Q: How does TOEIC test comparative mistakes? A: TOEIC gives similar-looking options like “more good,” “better,” and “good” to trick you. Q: Should I use “most” with every long word? A: No. Only when you are comparing the top level. Example: “most difficult,” not “most difficultest.” Q: What does “less than” mean? A: It shows a lower degree or amount. Example: “less popular than last year.” Q: Is “the least” used like “the most”? A: Yes. “The least” means the lowest or smallest. Example: “the least expensive option.” Q: Can I say “more faster” in TOEIC? A: No. “Faster” is already a comparison. Don’t add “more.” Q: What’s the fastest way to avoid these mistakes? A: Use only one comparison word per idea. Don’t mix “more” or “most” with “-er” or “-est.”
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