The Core Grammatical Error Behind "More Fatter"
The phrase "more fatter" is a classic example of a double comparative, a grammatical mistake that occurs when a speaker or writer uses two different methods to form a comparative adjective at the same time. The adjective "fat" is a one-syllable word. According to standard English rules, one-syllable adjectives form their comparative by adding the suffix "-er" (e.g., fatter) and their superlative by adding "-est" (e.8. fattest).
The word "more" is also a comparative marker, used primarily for adjectives with two or more syllables that do not end in '-y' (e.g., more important, not important-er). By combining "more" with the already comparative form "fatter," the phrase becomes redundant, much like saying "more taller" or "most funniest". This grammatical error, while common in casual speech, is considered incorrect in formal writing and communication.
Understanding Comparative Adjectives
The correct use of comparative adjectives depends on the number of syllables in the adjective. The rules provide a clear, systematic way to form comparisons, preventing the kind of redundant phrasing seen in "more fatter." Mastery of these rules is fundamental to clear and effective English communication.
Rules for Forming Comparatives
- For one-syllable adjectives: Add the suffix "-er." If the adjective ends in a single consonant preceded by a single vowel, double the final consonant before adding "-er" (e.g., fat becomes fatter, big becomes bigger).
- For most two-syllable adjectives ending in -y: Change the "y" to an "i" and add "-er" (e.g., happy becomes happier).
- For two-syllable adjectives not ending in -y, and all adjectives with three or more syllables: Use the word "more" before the adjective (e.g., beautiful becomes more beautiful).
- Irregular adjectives: Some adjectives don't follow the standard rules and have irregular comparative forms that must be memorized (e.g., good becomes better, bad becomes worse).
The Redundancy of "More Fatter"
So, what does the construction of "more fatter" communicate? Effectively, it says the same thing twice. The "-er" suffix already signifies a greater degree of fatness, making the addition of "more" completely unnecessary. This redundancy is the core of the grammatical error. While the intent is to express a greater degree of something, the execution violates the fundamental rules of comparative grammar. It is a common misstep, but one that is easily corrected by understanding the function of comparative markers.
The Correct Use of "Fatter" and "More"
To compare two things or people for the attribute of size or weight, one must choose the correct comparative form. For the adjective "fat," this is straightforward. The correct comparative form is simply "fatter." For example, "My cat is fatter than my neighbor's cat." There is no need for the extra word.
For longer adjectives, like "interesting," one would use "more." For instance, "This book is more interesting than that movie." Combining these approaches, however, leads to grammatical errors. The goal is to express a clear comparison, and a single, correct comparative form is all that is needed to achieve that.
How to Fix Double Comparative Errors
Correcting double comparatives involves recognizing the redundancy and removing one of the comparative markers. The simplest method is often to use the appropriate suffix for short adjectives and the word "more" for longer ones. Here are some examples of fixing this error:
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Incorrect: He is more quicker than his brother.
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Correct: He is quicker than his brother.
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Incorrect: This is the most happiest day of my life.
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Correct: This is the happiest day of my life.
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Incorrect: That car is more faster than mine.
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Correct: That car is faster than mine.
These examples illustrate how removing the redundant comparative word simplifies the sentence and makes it grammatically sound. The rule is consistent and applies to all adjectives and adverbs that take a comparative form.
When to Use "More" vs. "-er"
Choosing between "more" and "-er" can sometimes be confusing, especially with two-syllable adjectives. While some two-syllable adjectives can use either form (e.g., cleverer or more clever), it's often best to stick to the standard rules to avoid confusion and maintain clarity. A good rule of thumb is that if a two-syllable adjective ends in '-y,' it usually takes the '-er' suffix (e.g., happier, busier), whereas others, especially those ending in '-ful' or '-ous,' take 'more' (e.g., more peaceful, more famous). However, with one-syllable adjectives like 'fat', the choice is always the 'er' ending. A comprehensive guide on comparative adjectives can be found at the British Council LearnEnglish website.
Comparison of Proper vs. Improper Forms
| Improper Double Comparative | Correct Comparative | Grammatical Rule | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| More fatter | Fatter | One-syllable adjective: Add "-er" | The pig is fatter today than yesterday. |
| More taller | Taller | One-syllable adjective: Add "-er" | He grew taller this year. |
| Most happiest | Happiest | One-syllable adjective: Add "-est" | This is the happiest moment. |
| More sweeter | Sweeter | One-syllable adjective: Add "-er" | Her voice is sweeter than a bird's song. |
| More easier | Easier | Two-syllable adjective ending in -y: Change y to i, add "-er" | This exam was easier than the last one. |
| More beautifuler | More beautiful | Three+ syllable adjective: Use "more" | The sunset is more beautiful than the painting. |
Conclusion
The seemingly simple question, "what does more fatter mean?" reveals a common grammatical issue concerning redundant comparative phrasing. The correct comparative form of the adjective "fat" is "fatter." English grammar follows specific rules based on the number of syllables in an adjective to form its comparative and superlative degrees. By learning to distinguish between one-syllable adjectives that take the "-er" suffix and multisyllable adjectives that require the word "more," one can avoid the double comparative error and communicate more clearly and effectively. Correcting this minor but frequent mistake strengthens writing and speaking skills for any English learner or native speaker alike. Paying attention to these small details significantly improves the overall quality of one's language use.
