more ... than

Muster: more · SLOT · than · SLOT

A comparative construction used to express that one entity possesses a greater degree of a quality, quantity, or manner than another. Formed with 'more' + adjective/adverb (in base form) or quantifier + 'than' + comparator. Serves as the primary mechanism for forming comparative degrees of polysyllabic adjectives and adverbs, and for comparing amounts with countable/uncountable nouns.

• 🇩🇪Komparativkonstruktion, die einen höheren Grad einer Eigenschaft, Menge oder Art und Weise ausdrückt: „mehr ... als ...“.

1. Comparing qualities, degrees, or manners A1 formal

   Used to state that the first subject exhibits a higher degree of a particular adjective or adverb quality compared to the second. The structure is: more + adjective/adverb (base form, typically polysyllabic) + than + noun/pronoun/clause. This is the standard comparative form for adjectives/adverbs with two or more syllables (e.g., more beautiful, more carefully). Monosyllabic words typically use '-er' instead (e.g., faster, taller).

   • She is more confident than her sister.
   • This solution is more efficient than the previous one.
   • He speaks more clearly than he writes.
   • The new model is more reliable than the old version.
   • Please work more carefully than last time.

   🇩🇪Vergleich von Eigenschaften, Graden oder Arten

2. Comparing quantities or amounts A1 formal

   Used with quantifiers or nouns to compare volumes, numbers, or frequencies. Structure varies: (a) more + uncountable noun + than; (b) more + plural countable noun + than; (c) more + of + determiner + noun + than. Essential for expressing numerical superiority, frequency differences, or resource allocation comparisons.

   • She has more experience than I do.
   • We need more time than originally planned.
   • He made more mistakes than anyone else.
   • There are more participants than expected.
   • I'd like more of this cake than that one.

   🇩🇪Vergleich von Mengen oder Umfängen

3. Expressing preference, priority, or qualitative distinction B1 formal

   Used to indicate that one option, quality, or action is preferred, more important, or more characteristic than another. Often appears in constructions like 'more X than Y' where X and Y are contrasting qualities, or in preference structures ('I would more likely... than...'). Functions rhetorically to clarify priorities, values, or nuanced distinctions between similar concepts.

   • She is more curious than cautious.
   • It was more a suggestion than a command.
   • I value honesty more than perfection.
   • The issue is more complex than it appears.
   • He acted more out of fear than anger.

   🇩🇪Ausdruck von Vorliebe, Priorität oder qualitativem Unterschied