Both “trickier” and “more tricky” are correct comparative forms of the adjective “tricky.” However, “trickier” is more commonly used and is considered more concise.
There are two ways to form comparative adjectives: adding -er to the end of the adjective, or using “more” before the adjective. In the case of “tricky,” a correct comparative form is “trickier.” When comparing two things, we use “trickier” to indicate that one thing is more tricky than the other. Using “more tricky” is incorrect.
It is still grammatically correct to use “more tricky” as a comparative form of “tricky.” This is because “tricky” is a two-syllable adjective that does not end in -y, -er, or -ow, which means it follows the general rule for forming comparatives by adding “more” before the adjective.
Is it okay to use “more tricky” as a comparative form of tricky? The short answer is, yes. “More tricky” is a valid comparative form of the adjective “tricky.” However, some people might prefer to use “trickier” instead, as it is more concise and commonly used. Ultimately, it depends on personal preference and the context in which the word is being used.
Decoding ‘Tricky’ and Its Comparative Forms
Definition of Tricky
Tricky is an adjective that describes something as difficult to do or deal with. It is often used to describe situations or problems that are complicated or require careful handling. Tricky can also be used to describe people or actions that are deceitful or dishonest.
Comparative Form: Trickier or More Tricky
When it comes to comparing tricky things, there are two options: trickier or more tricky. Both are correct, but the choice between them depends on personal preference and the context of the sentence.
The comparative form trickier is formed by adding “-er” to the end of the adjective tricky. For example, “This puzzle is trickier than the last one.” This form is often preferred in informal speech and writing.
The comparative form more tricky is formed by adding “more” before the adjective tricky. For example, “This problem is more tricky than it seems.” This form is often preferred in formal writing and is more common in British English.
Superlative Form: Trickiest
The superlative form of tricky is trickiest. This form is used to describe the most difficult or complicated thing in a group. For example, “This is the trickiest question on the exam.”
Usage and Contextual Differences
When to Use ‘Tricky’
The word “tricky” is an adjective that means something is difficult to deal with or needs careful handling. It is often used to describe situations that are complicated or sensitive. For example, you might say “the tricky problem” to describe a difficult question or issue that requires careful consideration.
When to Use ‘Trickier’ or ‘More Tricky’
The choice between using “trickier” and “more tricky” depends on the context. “Trickier” is used when comparing two things, and “more tricky” is often used when comparing three or more things. For example, you might say “this problem is trickier than the last one” or “this problem is more tricky than the others.”
Examples of Using “Trickier” and “More Tricky” in Different Contexts
Both “trickier” and “more tricky” are technically correct, but they may be used in different contexts. Here are some examples to help you understand when to use each form:
- Trickier: This form is often used when talking about a specific situation or task that requires skill or caution. For example:
- That math problem is trickier than the others.
- The new software is trickier to use than the old one.
In these examples, “trickier” is used to emphasize that the situation or task is more difficult than others.
- More Tricky: This form is often used when talking about a general characteristic or quality. For example:
- The second level of the game is more tricky than the first.
- The English language is more tricky than Spanish.
In these examples, “more tricky” is used to compare the overall level of trickiness between two things.
Take note that both forms are grammatically correct, and the choice between them often depends on the speaker’s preference. However, using “trickier” to describe a general characteristic or “more tricky” to describe a specific situation may sound awkward or unnatural to some listeners.
Both “trickier” and “more tricky” are correct comparative forms of “tricky,” but they may be used in different contexts depending on what you want to emphasize.
