Better / Best / More Better / Most Best — Why TOEIC Loves This Trap

You know it’s wrong... but you say it anyway

You’re taking the TOEIC. You’re on a roll.

“Our new service is ___ than before.”

You pause.

“Better” sounds good.
But “more better” sounds stronger… right?
“Most best”? Maybe it’s super correct?

And just like that — TOEIC got you.

It’s not about knowing English.
It’s about staying sharp when everything sounds “extra right.”

Let’s fix that.

What’s the Trap?

TOEIC takes words you already know — better, best —
and tempts you with fake ones: more better, most best.

Why?

Because in real life, people say them.
In meetings, in ads, in conversation — you hear it all the time.

TOEIC wants to see if you know what’s correct — not what just sounds strong.

What You Actually Need to Know

Forget grammar. Just remember:

  • ✅ Better = used to compare two things

  • ✅ Best = used when one thing is number one

  • ❌ More better = always wrong

  • ❌ Most best = always wrong

The word “better” already means “more good.”
You don’t need to add “more.”
Same with “best.” It’s already the highest.

Common Mistakes Learners Make

❌ “Our new model is more better than the old one.”
✘ “More better” is a double comparison. Wrong.
✅ “Our new model is better than the old one.”

❌ “She is the most best candidate for the job.”
✘ “Most best” is like saying “the most most good.”
✅ “She is the best candidate for the job.”

❌ “His performance was more better than last time.”
✘ Again — “better” is enough.
✅ “His performance was better than last time.”

How TOEIC Tests It

TOEIC will often give you four options like:

(A) better
(B) best
(C) more better
(D) most best

They’ll put it in a sentence comparing two things — and hope you fall for the fake “strong” ones.

All you have to do is slow down and look:

  • Is it a comparison between two? → Use better

  • Is it saying someone or something is number one? → Use best

  • Are they trying to trick you with “more better” or “most best”? → Eliminate it instantly

TOEIC Practice Questions

Our new product is ___ than the old version.

(A) better
(B) more better
(C) best
(D) most best

✅ Correct Answer: (A) better

Explanation: You’re comparing two versions. “Better” is correct. “More better” is wrong.

She is the ___ person for the position.

(A) more better
(B) better
(C) best
(D) most best

✅ Correct Answer: (C) best

Explanation: Only one person can be the best. “Most best” is incorrect.

His second presentation was ___ than the first.

(A) more better
(B) most best
(C) better
(D) the best

✅ Correct Answer: (C) better

Explanation: Comparison between two events. “Better” is correct. “More better” is not.

Final Check — Quick Rules to Remember

  • “Better” = comparing two

  • “Best” = number one

  • Never say “more better”

  • Never say “most best”

Just say what’s needed — nothing extra.

Now you won’t fall for the trap that sounds “extra right.”

What is the difference between better and best? “Better” is used to compare two things. “Best” means number one. Can I say “more better”? No. That is always wrong. “Better” already means “more good.” Is it correct to say “most best”? No. “Best” already means the highest. Don’t add “most.” When do I use “better”? Use “better” when comparing two people, things, or ideas. When do I use “best”? Use “best” when only one thing is the top or number one. Why is “more better” wrong? Because “better” already means “more good.” “More better” is a double comparison. Can I say “She is the most best student”? No. Say “She is the best student.” Is “better” stronger than “good”? Yes. “Better” is one level higher than “good.” Can I use “best” when comparing two things? No. Use “best” only when comparing three or more things. Can I say “the better one” in a sentence? Yes. Example: “This one is the better option.” What does TOEIC test with better and best? TOEIC tests if you can avoid fake phrases like “more better” or “most best.” Why do people say “more better” in real life? Because it sounds stronger, but it’s not correct in formal English. Is “more better” ever okay in casual speech? It may be heard in casual talk, but it’s still not correct. How do I know if I need better or best? Ask: Am I comparing two things? → “better” Is one the top or number one? → “best” Can I say “This is the better of the two”? Yes. That’s correct. “Better” is used when comparing two. What’s wrong with “more better than before”? It repeats the same idea twice. Just say “better than before.” Is “the most best” ever correct? No. It is never correct. “Best” is already the maximum. Can I use “more” with other words like “more expensive”? Yes. “More” is fine with longer words — but not with “better.” Is “the best one” correct? Yes. “Best” often appears with “the.” Example: “She is the best one here.” Why does TOEIC include “more better” and “most best” as choices? To test if you notice the fake grammar that sounds strong but is wrong.