When learning English, many speakers often find themselves stumbling over rules about comparatives. It is generally incorrect to say “more easy“; the proper comparative form for the adjective “easy” is “easier,” formed by changing y to i and adding er. Using “more” with “easy” is redundant, as “easier” already means “more easy,” similar to how you wouldn’t say “more big” instead of “bigger.”
I have noticed in informal speech that learners sometimes try “more easy,” but it can create a grammatical error, especially with short adjectives like “fast” (faster) or “happy” (happier). This task requires clarity and attention to endings, comparative markers, and the pattern of adding -er to one or two syllables, especially when ending in y.
In practice, when used correctly, “easier” combines all comparative concepts without creating confusion. Even with longer, two-syllable adjectives like “beautiful” or “tiring,” we avoid forms like “beautifuler” and instead say “more beautiful.” Mastering this rule helps speakers navigate the vast ocean of English, string words together, finesse phrases, and express ideas naturally.
Remembering this pattern makes conversation smooth, writing correct, and ensures confidence when comparing things like a test, a task, or sports examples, shaping a straightforward journey through language without stumbling over exceptions, nuances, or irregular forms. Encountering these pairs can be tiring, but stick to this strategy, and the verdict will always be correct, safe, and effective.
Understanding the Basics: Adjectives and Comparatives
English adjectives describe qualities, such as size, color, or difficulty. When you want to compare two things, you often use a comparative form.
Examples:
- “This book is big.” → “This book is bigger than that one.”
- “She is smart.” → “She is smarter than her brother.”
There are two main ways to form comparatives:
- Add -er to short adjectives (usually one syllable).
- fast → faster
- tall → taller
- fast → faster
- Use “more” with longer adjectives (usually two syllables or more).
- beautiful → more beautiful
- difficult → more difficult
- beautiful → more beautiful
The choice depends on the length and structure of the adjective.
Why “More Easy” Sounds Off
The adjective easy is one of those tricky words in English. Even though it has two syllables, the correct comparative is “easier”, not “more easy.”
Why?
- English often has irregular rules.
- “Easy” follows a pattern where we add -er instead of using “more.”
Incorrect:
- “This test is more easy than the last one.”
Correct:
- “This test is easier than the last one.”
Native speakers almost never say “more easy.” Using it can sound awkward or non-native.
Correct Ways to Express Ease
Here’s how to express that something is easier or simpler:
- Use “easier” (comparative form of easy):
- “Learning English is easier with practice.”
- “Learning English is easier with practice.”
- Use synonyms with “more”:
- “This task is more simple than the previous one.”
- “Following the instructions is more straightforward.”
- “This task is more simple than the previous one.”
- Use phrases that emphasize ease without comparatives:
- “This is a simple task.”
- “It’s not hard to understand.”
- “This is a simple task.”
By choosing the correct form, your English will sound natural and confident.
Examples of Correct vs Incorrect Usage
| Incorrect | Correct | Notes |
| This problem is more easy than that one. | This problem is easier than that one. | “Easier” is the standard comparative. |
| It’s more easy to read than I thought. | It’s easier to read than I thought. | “Easier” replaces “more easy.” |
| This puzzle is more simple than the last. | This puzzle is simpler than the last. | “Simple” can take -er: simpler. |
| The instructions are more easy to follow. | The instructions are easier to follow. | Always use “easier” with easy. |
| Making this recipe is more easy than expected. | Making this recipe is easier than expected. | Common mistake for ESL learners. |
When “More Easy” Might Appear in Writing
You might still see “more easy” in informal writing, early learning materials, or non-native speakers’ texts. While understandable, it is not grammatically correct and should be avoided in professional or academic contexts.
Tip: If you’re writing for work, exams, or published content, always use “easier”.
Common Mistakes ESL Learners Make
- Confusing two-syllable adjectives:
- Words like happy, clever, narrow can use -er.
- Words like interesting, important, expensive need “more.”
- Words like happy, clever, narrow can use -er.
- Following literal translation:
- Some languages naturally use “more” with all adjectives. ESL learners may say “more easy” because of their native grammar.
- Some languages naturally use “more” with all adjectives. ESL learners may say “more easy” because of their native grammar.
- Mixing simple and complex forms:
- Avoid phrases like “more easier” or “most easy.” They are doubly incorrect.
- Avoid phrases like “more easier” or “most easy.” They are doubly incorrect.
Quick Rule:
- One-syllable → -er (fast → faster)
- Two-syllable ending in -y → -ier (easy → easier)
- Other two-syllable or longer → more/most (careful → more careful)
Synonyms and Alternative Phrases for “Easy”
If you want to vary your English, you can use synonyms instead of “easy”:
| Synonym | Example Sentence | Notes |
| Simple | This recipe is simple to follow. | Common alternative for easy. |
| Effortless | The task was effortless. | Emphasizes zero effort. |
| Straightforward | The instructions are straightforward. | Often used in professional contexts. |
| Painless | Learning this method is painless. | Informal, friendly tone. |
| Undemanding | The job is undemanding. | Slightly formal. |
Using these alternatives can make your English sound more fluent and natural.
Idioms and Expressions Related to Ease
English has several expressions to indicate something is easy:
- Piece of cake → “The exam was a piece of cake.”
- A walk in the park → “Fixing this issue is a walk in the park.”
- Child’s play → “For her, cooking is child’s play.”
- No sweat → “Don’t worry, it’s no sweat.”
These idioms can replace “easy” in casual conversation and writing.
Quick Grammar Tips for Comparatives
- Don’t double up: Avoid saying “more easier.”
- Check adjective endings:
- -y → change to -ier
- Others → use more
- -y → change to -ier
- Use “than” for comparison:
- Correct: “This test is easier than the last one.”
- Incorrect: “This test is easier the last one.”
- Correct: “This test is easier than the last one.”
Short, clear comparisons make your English sound professional and polished.
Real-Life Scenarios: Using “Easy” Naturally
Here are some everyday situations and the correct way to use “easy”:
- School:
- Incorrect: “This math problem is more easy.”
- Correct: “This math problem is easier than the last one.”
- Incorrect: “This math problem is more easy.”
- Cooking:
- Incorrect: “Making pasta is more easy than baking bread.”
- Correct: “Making pasta is easier than baking bread.”
- Incorrect: “Making pasta is more easy than baking bread.”
- Work:
- Incorrect: “The new software is more easy to use.”
- Correct: “The new software is easier to use.”
- Incorrect: “The new software is more easy to use.”
- Travel:
- Incorrect: “It is more easy to get a taxi here.”
- Correct: “It is easier to get a taxi here.”
- Incorrect: “It is more easy to get a taxi here.”
Seeing these in context helps learners internalize the correct form.
Voice and Style in Everyday English
Using “easier” instead of “more easy” also improves your spoken English:
- It sounds natural and confident.
- It helps you blend in with native speakers.
- It makes your communication clear and precise, especially in exams, presentations, or professional emails.
Remember, grammar is not just rules; it’s about sounding right to your listener.
Frequently Asked Questions About “More Easy”
Q1: Can I ever use “more easy”?
A1: It’s rarely correct. Native speakers always say “easier.” Only in informal texts or literal translations might “more easy” appear, but it’s grammatically wrong.
Q2: Why is “easier” correct instead of “more easy”?
A2: Because “easy” is a two-syllable adjective ending in -y. In English, adjectives ending with -y take -ier to form comparatives.
Q3: What about “more simple” vs “simpler”?
A3: Both are correct. “Simpler” is the standard comparative; “more simple” is acceptable but less common in everyday English.
Q4: Can idioms replace “easy”?
A4: Yes! Phrases like “piece of cake” or “walk in the park” make your English sound natural and conversational.
Q5: How do I avoid mistakes with comparatives?
A5: Check the adjective: short → add -er, ending in -y → -ier, long → more. Always pair comparatives with than for comparisons.
Conclusion: Mastering Correct Comparative Forms
Saying “more easy” is incorrect, and using “easier” is the right choice. By understanding English comparatives, paying attention to adjective endings, and using real-life examples, you can speak and write naturally.
Remember:
- Short adjectives → -er
- Two-syllable ending in -y → -ier
- Longer adjectives → more/most
- Use idioms and synonyms to sound fluent
With consistent practice, phrases like “easier than” will become automatic, and mistakes like “more easy” will disappear from your English.

Thomas Hardy is a passionate innovator and thoughtful leader, dedicated to transforming ideas into lasting success. With creativity and purpose, he brings vision and authenticity to everything he does.