Moreso or More So? Which One is Correct?
The English language is full of subtle nuances and complexities, and one common point of confusion is whether to use moreso or more so. Both expressions seem similar, but one is correct in standard English while the other is often considered incorrect or unnecessary. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between moreso and more so, explain their meanings and proper usage, provide examples to clarify their distinctions, and offer practice questions with answers to help reinforce your understanding.
Table of Contents
The Correct Phrase: “More So”
The correct phrase in standard English is more so. This two-word expression is used to emphasize a comparison or to refer back to something that has already been mentioned. The phrase connects the idea of more (in greater degree or quantity) with the concept or statement that has already been introduced.
Definition of More So:
- More so is used to express that something is true to a greater extent compared to something else or in relation to a previous statement.
Examples of More So:
- She was kind, but her sister was more so.
- The new policy has been challenging, and even more so for small businesses.
- He admired her intelligence, but even more so, her dedication to her work.
In each of these examples, more so is used to draw a comparison, often emphasizing that one thing is true to a greater extent than another. The phrase is typically used when the comparison is already implied or stated.
Why “Moreso” Is Incorrect
While moreso may seem like a logical or acceptable alternative, it is not generally considered correct in standard English. In fact, many dictionaries do not recognize moreso as a valid word, and linguists often classify it as a nonstandard or unnecessary variation of more so.
Common Mistake: Using Moreso Instead of More So
Some writers or speakers mistakenly combine more and so into one word, moreso, perhaps because they believe it creates a stronger or more formal version of more so. However, this is not supported by grammar rules or most style guides.
- Incorrect:
Her performance was impressive, but her dedication was moreso. - Correct:
Her performance was impressive, but her dedication was more so.
In the corrected sentence, more so is the proper way to phrase the comparison, as it maintains the integrity of the two individual words and follows standard English conventions.
Why “More So” Is Correct
The reason more so is correct lies in the grammatical structure of the phrase. More functions as an adverb, modifying the word so, which in turn refers back to a previously mentioned idea or statement. When these two words are combined into moreso, it creates a jarring and unnecessary construction that doesn’t fit standard English grammar rules.
In contrast, more so allows for clarity and proper syntactical flow, making it easier for readers to understand the comparison being made.
Breaking Down the Components:
- More: Indicates a greater degree or extent.
- So: Refers back to something already mentioned or implied.
When combined as more so, the phrase acts as a comparison tool, showing that one thing is true to a greater extent than another.
Example of Proper Usage:
- She enjoyed the concert, but even more so, the after-party.
In this example, more so refers back to the idea of enjoyment and emphasizes that the after-party was enjoyed to an even greater extent than the concert.
Common Contexts for “More So”
1. Comparative Statements
More so is often used in comparative statements where two things are being compared, and one is true to a greater degree.
- Example:
John was excited about the promotion, but Jane was more so.
In this context, both John and Jane are excited, but the phrase more so indicates that Jane’s excitement is greater.
2. Referring to a Previous Statement
More so is also used when referring back to something that has already been stated, adding emphasis or extending the idea.
- Example:
The new policy is difficult to implement, and more so for smaller companies.
Here, more so emphasizes that the policy is even more difficult for smaller companies, comparing their experience to the general difficulty of the policy.
3. Intensifying an Idea
In some cases, more so can be used to intensify or amplify the degree to which something is true.
- Example:
Her speech was inspiring, but her actions were more so.
This sentence suggests that while her speech was inspiring, her actions were even more inspiring, thereby intensifying the comparison.
Similar Phrases and Alternatives
If you’re looking for alternatives to more so in your writing, here are a few phrases that convey a similar meaning:
1. Even More
This is a slightly simpler way to emphasize something to a greater degree.
- Example:
She was dedicated to her work, and even more to her family.
2. To a Greater Extent
This phrase can be used in more formal contexts and serves the same purpose as more so.
- Example:
The policy favors large businesses, to a greater extent than small ones.
3. Especially
This word can be used to single out a specific element or quality that stands out more than others.
- Example:
He admired her kindness, especially her ability to forgive.
Each of these phrases can be used as an alternative to more so when you want to emphasize or compare something to a greater degree.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
1. Using Moreso in Formal Writing
Since moreso is not considered standard English, it should be avoided in formal writing. Always opt for more so to ensure that your grammar is correct.
- Incorrect:
The research was thorough, but the analysis was moreso. - Correct:
The research was thorough, but the analysis was more so.
2. Using More So Incorrectly
While more so can be used to emphasize a comparison, it should not be used when the comparison is unclear or when more alone would suffice.
- Incorrect:
Her work was excellent, and more so. (This sentence is vague because it doesn’t specify what more so is referring to.) - Correct:
Her work was excellent, and even more so, her leadership skills. (This corrected version clarifies the comparison by stating exactly what is being emphasized.)
Practice Questions
Let’s test your understanding of the difference between moreso and more so with some practice questions.
Question 1:
Which sentence is correct?
- a) His presentation was good, but his responses to questions were moreso.
- b) His presentation was good, but his responses to questions were more so.
Answer:
b) His presentation was good, but his responses to questions were more so.
Explanation: More so is the correct phrase to use when drawing a comparison.
Question 2:
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase:
- The weather was bad, and it got __ as the storm approached.
Answer:
The weather was bad, and it got more so as the storm approached.
Explanation: More so is used to emphasize that the weather worsened as the storm approached.
Question 3:
True or False:
Moreso is an acceptable alternative to more so in formal writing.
Answer:
False.
Explanation: Moreso is not considered standard English and should be avoided in both formal and informal writing.
Question 4:
Which sentence is correct?
- a) She was skilled at playing the piano, and more so at composing music.
- b) She was skilled at playing the piano, and moreso at composing music.
Answer:
a) She was skilled at playing the piano, and more so at composing music.
Explanation: More so is the correct way to phrase this comparison.
Question 5:
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase:
- The new job is challenging, but __ for someone with little experience.
Answer:
The new job is challenging, but more so for someone with little experience.
Conclusion
The correct expression is more so, and it’s used to emphasize a comparison or refer back to something that has already been mentioned. The one-word version, moreso, is not generally accepted in standard English and should be avoided. By understanding the proper usage of more so, you can make comparisons more effectively and avoid common errors in both formal and informal writing.
Remember, more so is a useful phrase for intensifying or emphasizing ideas, but it’s important to use it correctly and clearly. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be using more so with confidence in all your writing!
