The comparative degree of an adjective describes a higher degree of a quality between two things. While some comparatives use “more” or “less,” the word “funny,” thankfully, has its own distinct comparative form. This article explores how to correctly use the comparative degree of “funny.”
Funnier: The Go-To Comparative
The comparative form of “funny” is “funnier.” Use “funnier” when directly comparing the humor of two things. For instance:
- “Comedian A was funnier than Comedian B.”
- “This sitcom is funnier than that one.”
- “His joke was funnier than hers.”
In these examples, “funnier” clearly indicates which entity possesses a greater degree of humor.
Less Funny: The Opposite of Funnier
Conversely, to describe something lacking humor in comparison, use “less funny.” Examples include:
- “The sequel was less funny than the original.”
- “Her stand-up routine was less funny than I expected.”
- “This joke is less funny each time I hear it.”
“More Funny”: When and How to Use It
While “funnier” is generally preferred, “more funny” can be used in specific situations. This construction typically occurs when making a less direct comparison or expressing a subjective opinion about a single item’s humor level. Consider these scenarios:
- Vague Comparisons: “The movie was more funny than not.” This indicates that the movie had some humor but wasn’t necessarily hilarious.
- Internal Comparisons: “His recent material is more funny than his older jokes.” This implies a comparison within the comedian’s own work.
- Emphasis: “That’s more funny than you realize!” Here, “more” adds emphasis to the degree of humor.
Avoiding Awkward Phrasing
Generally, avoid using “more funny” when a direct comparison between two things is being made. “Funnier” flows more naturally and is grammatically preferred in these cases. Saying “This book is more funny than that book” sounds clunky compared to “This book is funnier than that book.”
Mastering Comparatives: Beyond “Funny”
While understanding the comparative degree of “funny” is important, mastering English comparatives extends beyond this single word. Many adjectives follow similar rules, while others have irregular comparative forms. Further study of comparative and superlative adjectives is recommended for comprehensive language proficiency.
