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

How to Avoid “Extra Right” Mistakes in Comparisons

On TOEIC, you already know better and best are correct. But when the clock is ticking, “more better” or “most best” can sound stronger — and that’s exactly how TOEIC catches you.

This isn’t about hard vocabulary. It’s about spotting when something sounds “extra right” but is actually wrong.

1️⃣ The Trap

TOEIC takes words you already know — better, best — and tempts you with fake forms: more better, most best.
They sound familiar because you’ve heard them in conversations, ads, and even meetings. But in formal English, they’re always wrong.

2️⃣ Quick Rules That Always Work

✅ Better → Compare two things.

✅ Best → One thing is number one.

❌ More better → Wrong. “Better” already means “more good.”

❌ Most best → Wrong. “Best” already means “most good.”

3️⃣ Common Mistakes

❌ Our new model is more better than the old one.
✅ Our new model is better than the old one.

❌ She is the most best candidate for the job.
✅ She is the best candidate for the job.

❌ His performance was more better than last time.
✅ His performance was better than last time.

4️⃣ TOEIC-Style Practice

Q1. Our new product is ___ than the old version.
(A) better
(B) more better
(C) best
(D) most best
✅ Answer: (A) better — Comparison between two things.

Q2. She is the ___ person for the position.
(A) more better
(B) better
(C) best
(D) most best
✅ Answer: (C) best — Describes the single top choice.

Q3. His second presentation was ___ than the first.
(A) more better
(B) most best
(C) better
(D) the best
✅ Answer: (C) better — Comparing two presentations.

Q4. This is the ___ restaurant in the city.
(A) better
(B) more better
(C) best
(D) most best
✅ Answer: (C) best — Talking about number one in a group.

📌 Strategy / Takeaway

  1. Better = two things.

  2. Best = top in a group.

  3. If you see “more better” or “most best,” eliminate immediately.

  4. Don’t add extra words for emphasis — TOEIC marks that wrong.

Golden Rule:

In comparisons, simpler is correct. Extra words = instant red flag.

Final Word

TOEIC knows these phrases sound natural in casual speech. But on the test, “more better” and “most best” are traps. Stick to better or best — and you’ll score easy points others lose.

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

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.