Is It Correct to Say “Spicier” or “More Spicier”?

When describing the level of spiciness in food, you might wonder whether it’s proper to say “spicier” or “more spicier.” This is a common question in English grammar, as the usage of comparative adjectives can sometimes cause confusion. Let’s break it down to understand which form is correct and why.

The Role of Comparative Adjectives

Adjectives like spicy describe the quality of something, and when comparing two things, we use the comparative form of the adjective. For most adjectives, this can be done in one of two ways:

1. By adding -er to the adjective (e.g., spicier, taller, faster).
2. By using “more” before the adjective (e.g., more beautiful, more interesting).

When to Use -er vs. “More”

• One-syllable adjectives: Generally, you add -er (e.g., hotter, sweeter).
• Two-syllable adjectives: Some, like “spicy,” can use either -er or “more,” depending on common usage.
• Three-syllable adjectives or longer: Use “more” (e.g., more complicated, more delicious).

Why “More Spicier” Is Incorrect

The word “spicier” already includes the comparison suffix -er, so it’s redundant to add “more” before it. This is known as a double comparative, which is grammatically incorrect. Saying “more spicier” is like saying “more better” or “more faster”—it’s unnecessary and incorrect.

Correct Example:

• This dish is spicier than the one we had yesterday.

Incorrect Example:

• This dish is more spicier than the one we had yesterday.

Choosing the Right Form

For the adjective spicy, the correct comparative form is spicier. There’s no need for “more” because the -er suffix already performs the comparison. However, if you prefer to avoid adding -er, you can say “more spicy,” though this is less common and might sound awkward in informal contexts.

Examples:

1. Correct: I think this curry is spicier than the last one.
2. Correct: This curry is more spicy than the soup.
3. Incorrect: This curry is more spicier than the soup.

Conclusion

When comparing the level of spiciness between two things, the grammatically correct form is spicier. Avoid using “more spicier,” as it is a double comparative and therefore incorrect. Remember, simplicity is key in English grammar—stick to spicier, and you’ll always get it right!