Grammar Clinic: The REAL difference between MORE and MUCH

Much means that the amount or number is great – not small.

More means that the amount or number is greater than another amount or number

Also, Much is the positive form and More is the comparative. In other words, much makes a statement about the item described, but there is no comparison with anything else. More necessarily compares what is described with something else.

I do not have Much money, but at least I have More than my friend does.

1. Much is an adjective that is used to express a large amount that cannot be expressed in numbers or quantity. It is also used as an adverb when describing the extent of something. Take a look at the following examples.

He does not have much experience.

Much has been written about the failure of this welfare programme.

2. More is an adjective that refers to an additional quantity of something.

I want some more coffee.

I need some more time to be able to do the job.

More is a comparative form of many and much and can be used as an adverb as in more slowly or more expensive. In general, more is used to express additional quantity, a greater quantity or number.

Difference between Much and More?

• More is comparative while Much does not make any comparison.

It is wrong to say, “My new phone is more better than my old one.”

Instead, say: “My new phone is better than my old one.”

Here are the rules for comparative adjectives:

“Better” is already comparative, so it is not necessary to add “more.” The word “more” is only used with comparative adjectives with 2+ syllables.

“Much” is a quantifier for the comparative – it shows if the difference between the two things is a big difference or a small difference. So if you want to say that the phone is A LOT better, you can say “much better.” Here’s another example:

Candy – N2.00
Ice cream – N2.25
Chocolate cake – N30.00

• The ice cream is a little more expensive than the candy.
  (or “slightly more expensive,” or “a bit more expensive”)
• The chocolate cake is much more expensive than the candy.
  (or “a lot more expensive,” “far more expensive,” or “way more expensive” – informal)