Smarter vs. More Smart — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on December 16, 2023
"Smarter" is the comparative form of "smart," while "More Smart" is a less conventional and less fluent way to convey the same meaning.
Difference Between Smarter and More Smart
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Smarter" and "More Smart" both attempt to compare the level of intelligence or stylishness. However, in the realm of standard English usage, "Smarter" is the go-to choice. This word smoothly captures the intended comparative nature without appearing awkward or forced.
"More Smart," on the other hand, might come across as redundant and less natural. While "more" is often used with multi-syllable adjectives to create their comparative form (e.g., "more beautiful"), for single-syllable adjectives like "smart," the suffix "-er" is preferred, rendering "Smarter" the grammatically correct option.
Grammatical rules aside, the flow and ease of conversation can be disrupted by "More Smart." When we hear or read "Smarter," the word is immediately recognized and understood. This isn't always the case with "More Smart," which might cause the listener or reader to pause, potentially altering the pace and rhythm of dialogue or prose.
Furthermore, cultural and regional differences might play a role in the acceptance of "More Smart." While "Smarter" is universally accepted in English-speaking contexts, "More Smart" might appear in non-native English speakers' communications, suggesting a direct translation from another language.
While "Smarter" and "More Smart" might convey the same comparative intent, their acceptance and fluidity in English vary considerably. The former is the preferred choice, seamlessly integrating into English contexts, while the latter may be seen as a deviation from the norm.
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Comparison Chart
Grammatical Correctness
Standard comparative form for "smart"
Less conventional comparative form
Syllable Count
Two syllables
Three syllables
Flow in Conversation
Fluid and widely recognized
Can disrupt flow and seem awkward
Usage
Commonly used in both written and spoken English
Less commonly used, might appear in non-native contexts
Formation
Formed by adding "-er" to "smart"
Formed by placing "more" before "smart"
Compare with Definitions
Smarter
Having a higher degree of intelligence than another.
Compared to his younger self, he's become much smarter.
More Smart
Reflecting an increased sense of stylishness, though phrased unusually.
His attire made him look more smart at the party.
Smarter
Demonstrating improved efficiency or effectiveness.
With his new strategy, he works smarter, not harder.
More Smart
Conveying a better decision-making capacity, albeit in a less fluent manner.
Choosing the alternative route was a more smart decision.
Smarter
Reflecting a better choice or decision-making ability.
Investing early was the smarter move.
More Smart
Denoting improved efficiency in an uncommon phrasing.
Adopting this technique, he became more smart in his approach.
Smarter
More stylish or well-dressed than before or than another.
She looked smarter in her new suit.
More Smart
Signifying better adaptability, though expressed less naturally.
Modern gadgets seem to become more smart with each iteration.
Smarter
Indicating quicker adaptability or understanding.
Machines are getting smarter every day.
More Smart
A less standard way to express a higher degree of intelligence.
She is more smart than her peers, though the phrase sounds odd.
Smarter
Having or showing intelligence; bright.
Smarter
Canny and shrewd in dealings with others
A smart negotiator.
Smarter
Amusingly clever; witty
A smart quip.
A lively, smart conversation.
Smarter
Impertinent; insolent
That's enough of your smart talk.
Smarter
Energetic or quick in movement
A smart pace.
Smarter
Fashionable; elegant
A smart suit.
A smart restaurant.
The smart set.
Smarter
Capable of making adjustments that resemble those resulting from human decisions, chiefly by means of electronic sensors and computer technology
Smart missiles.
Smart machines.
Smarter
To cause a sharp, usually superficial, stinging pain
The slap delivered to my face smarted.
Smarter
To be the location of such a pain
The incision on my leg smarts.
Smarter
To feel such a pain.
Smarter
To suffer acutely, as from mental distress, wounded feelings, or remorse
"No creature smarts so little as a fool" (Alexander Pope).
Smarter
Sharp pain or anguish
The smart of the wound.
Smarter
Smarts(Slang) Intelligence; expertise
A reporter with a lot of smarts.
Common Curiosities
Why do some people use "More Smart"?
"More Smart" might be used by non-native speakers or as a direct translation from other languages.
Is there a difference in meaning between "Smarter" and "More Smart"?
Both intend to convey a comparative level of intelligence or style, but "Smarter" is more standard.
Can "More Smart" be used in formal writing?
It's advisable to use "Smarter" in formal writing as it's the standard comparative form.
How many syllables does "Smarter" have compared to "More Smart"?
"Smarter" has two syllables, while "More Smart" has three.
Which phrase is more universally recognized in English-speaking contexts?
"Smarter" is more universally recognized and accepted.
Is "More Smart" widely accepted in English?
"More Smart" is less commonly accepted and can sound awkward to native English speakers.
How is "Smarter" formed?
"Smarter" is formed by adding the suffix "-er" to "smart."
Can "More Smart" be seen in literary works?
It's uncommon, but some authors might use "More Smart" for stylistic reasons or to mimic specific speech patterns.
Which is the grammatically correct comparative form of "smart"?
"Smarter" is the grammatically correct comparative form of "smart."
Does "Smarter" only refer to intelligence?
No, "Smarter" can refer to intelligence, style, decision-making, adaptability, and efficiency.
Is "Smarter" preferred in American English?
Yes, "Smarter" is the preferred comparative form in American English.
Are there contexts where "More Smart" is more suitable?
While "Smarter" is generally preferable, "More Smart" might be used for emphasis or in specific linguistic contexts.
How should one decide which to use in conversation?
"Smarter" is the recommended choice for most conversational contexts due to its wide acceptance and natural flow.
Are there other adjectives that use "more" for their comparative forms?
Yes, typically multi-syllable adjectives use "more" for their comparative forms, like "more beautiful."
Which is easier to understand, "Smarter" or "More Smart"?
"Smarter" is more immediately recognized and understood.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
