More friendly or friendlier are a part of a unique set of words and phrases that people confuse quite often. If the language wasn’t already tricky, such comparatives make it worse. New learners often mix these up and the misuse can be demotivating.
The following article will look into the difference between the two and use examples to explain their proper use. Both phrases are correct to use in English but you must be careful about the context.
The following sections will explore the difference in context for proper use and how you can get sound like a pro!
More Friendly or Friendlier – Understanding Comparatives
Both phrases are common in the English language and can be used when talking about two people. These are examples of comparatives that compare two things, for example,
| 👉 This cat is bigger than that one. 👉 She is more intelligent than her siblings. |
Adjectives such as friendly or friendlier can be tricky as they fall into a gray area of comparatives that allow the use of both ‘-er’ and ‘more.’ It depends on the usage.
When talking to just one person, you can use ‘friendlier’ – for example,
When talking to her, I found her to be friendlier than I thought!
Both the terms stem from the word friendly, which means someone who has a kind and pleasant way towards someone. So, which one of the comparatives is correct? Let’s find out!
Friendlier vs. More Friendly: What’s the Difference?
The difference between the two comparatives is quite simple, one is an adjective (friendlier) and the other is an adverb (more friendly). Thus, depending on the context and need of the sentence, you must switch the comparative.
Here’s a quick look at the difference s between the two:
Friendlier
- “Friendlier” is the shorter, more traditional comparative form.
- It’s often used in casual or conversational English.
- Example:
| 1. Sarah is friendlier than John. 2. This dog seems friendlier than the other one. |
More Friendly
- “More friendly” is the longer comparative form, often considered slightly more formal.
- It is commonly used in writing or when the sentence structure requires it.
- Example:
| 1. The new staff member is more friendly towards customers. 2. He has become more friendly after moving to the city. |
These were all the differences that exist between the two comparatives and how you can use them correctly in a sentence. Let’s look at the correct use of the two:
Which One Is Correct?
When it comes to one of the two being correct – it’s the wrong approach. The two phrases are correct in their own respective ways and have to be used in the right context. Here are some considerations to choose which one of the two is correct:
Tone:
Tone is one of the most important things to dictate which version of a comparative fits best. It may be an informal or formal tone, but the comparative you use will be different. For example, use ‘friendlier’ for a conversational or casual tone and ‘more friendly’ for formal contexts or emphasizing politeness.
Sentence structure:
The sentence structure can make or break a conversation and take it to a different place altogether! You can simply rely on the structure to assess which one of the two comparatives will fit best. Here’s a look:
If the sentence sounds awkward with ‘friendlier,’ use ‘more friendly’
- “She is friendlier with her colleagues” sounds awkward. Let’s try it again,
- “She is more friendly with her colleagues” sounds better.
General Rule of Thumb
A great hack to remember is the rule of thumb that has always helped me maintain professionalism in my tone. For single-syllable adjectives such as tall or big, always use the –er- comparative.
For objectives with two syllables, both more friendly or friendlier work well, but the former suits best. It also helps add clarity.
Examples to Clarify Usage
- Friendlier
| 👉 The cat is friendlier than the dog. 👉 He is friendlier when he is in a good mood. |
- More Friendly
| 👉 The customer service representative was more friendly than I expected. 👉 I find that people in small towns are more friendly. |
These are some of the best ways you can use these versions to have the right use in place.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some of the most common mistakes you may be making.
- Using Both Forms Together
Do you know what’s worse than picking the wrong comparative? It’s using both together in a sentence to confuse your reader even further. Avoid this:
- She’s more friendlier than her siblings
- She’s friendlier than her siblings OR She is more friendly than her sister.
- Comparing Without Context
You cannot use either more friendly or friendlier without proper context. This confuses your readers and shows your lack of proper knowledge. This can negatively affect your credibility as a writer. Consider this example,
“He is friendlier” provides no context to reader as to who the person is friendlier than.
On the other hand, “He is friendlier than most people I know,” is clearer and gives the reader the entire context.
Fun Tip: Adding Superlatives
Here’s a fun tip for you to handle the confusion! Simply use the superlative form to voice your preference while also sounding grammatically correct! For example,
Use ‘friendliest’ or ‘most friendly’ when comparing two people.
Examples:
| 👉 She is the friendliest person in the room. 👉 Out of all the staff, he was the most friendly. |
This is a simple tip to ensure your sentences have the right comparative and that you are not confusing between the two.
Quick Recap
Here’s a quick recap for you to know which one of the two to use
| Form | When to Use | Example |
| Friendlier | Casual, simple tone | This puppy is friendlier than the cat. |
| More Friendly | Formal, complex sentences | He is more friendly with strangers than before. |
FAQs
Not at all! “Friendlier” is commonly used in everyday conversations and is far from outdated.
“More friendly” is often preferred in professional or formal writing for clarity and a polished tone.
Yes, but in informal settings, “friendlier” might sound more natural.
Wrapping It Up!
That was all about the difference between more friendly and friendlier, and how you can use the correct one in your daily conversations. Both comparatives are correct, and you can easily get their usage right with this guide.
The two versions are correct and interchangeable in most situations. Their choice depends on the context, tone and clarity of your sentences. The next time you compare levels of friendliness, be sure to keep this in mind!
Pick the version that’s most suitable to your tone and context and you’re set!
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