❌ “More Better” Is Never Better

How TOEIC Tests Confusing Comparatives — and How to Get Them Right

TOEIC loves to test how ideas are compared — but not with tricky vocabulary.
Instead, it checks if you know when to use words like:

  • better vs more good

  • more expensive vs most expensive

  • less vs least

These small differences can change the entire meaning of a sentence.
But the most common reason people get it wrong?
They try to double up, or they guess by sound instead of logic.

Let’s fix that — and help you spot the right choice every time.

🎯 Common TOEIC Trap: “More + Adjective” vs “Better”

TOEIC might ask:

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

If you pick (B) more good, you’ve fallen into a classic trap.

Here’s the deal:

  • ❌ You can’t say “more good” or “more better”

  • ✅ Use better — it’s already the comparison form

🧠 Think of it this way:

Good → Better → Best (not more good / most good)

🧪 TOEIC Question Style — You vs Yourself

Here’s another real pattern TOEIC uses:

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

TOEIC loves comparisons within a company, like:

  • This quarter vs last quarter

  • Our team vs another team

  • One product vs another

✅ The correct answer is better — it’s a comparison between two points in time.

🧠 Three Things TOEIC Tests

  1. Do you know when to use -er / more?

    • ✅ “cheaper” not “more cheap”

    • ✅ “more useful” not “usefuller”
      ➤ Rule of thumb:

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

      • Long words → use more (more expensive, more flexible)

  2. Do you know when to use “best” vs “better”?

    • ✅ Use better to compare two

    • ✅ Use best when comparing three or more

  3. Do you avoid double comparisons?

    • ❌ “more better”

    • ❌ “most fastest”

    • ✅ Only one comparison word per idea

🔍 TOEIC Tip: Watch for Number Clues

Look for clues like:

  • “than” → use better / more (comparison between two)

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

Examples:

“She is the ______ speaker in the team.”
✅ best (we're comparing within a group)

“He runs ______ than anyone else.”
✅ faster or better (we're comparing to one or more people)

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Some forms look right but break TOEIC rules:

  • ✖️ more better → wrong. “Better” already shows comparison. Just say better.

  • ✖️ most fastest → wrong. “Fastest” is already the strongest form. Just say fastest.

  • ✖️ more smarter → wrong. “Smarter” is enough on its own.

  • ✖️ gooder → not a real word. Use better.

  • ✖️ the most best → “Best” is already the top level. Just say the best.

✅ Golden Rule:

Use only one comparison form. Never mix more/most with -er/-est.

✅ Key Takeaway

TOEIC tests your ability to compare clearly — not creatively.

To win:

  • Use -er or more, not both

  • Choose better for two things, best for groups

  • Watch for sneaky phrases like “more better,” “most fastest,” and “than all”

Once you know these patterns, the right answer won’t just sound right —
it’ll make logical sense.

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.”