3D - 2

Are "handsomer" AND "more handsome" both valid renderings?

Most adjectives, of course, must follow one of the two comparative forms "-er" and "more ...", but are there words that can legitimately follow either comparative form? Is "more handsome" correct also?

Public Comments

1. Generally, one of the two is preferred. In this case, "handsomer" is the correct form. According to the grammar book I use with my students, there are three situations in which you should use "more" or "most" to create the comparative and superlative forms. 1. modifiers of three or more syllables 2. adverbs ending in -ly 3. any time it sounds wrong to add -er or -est
2. I think more handsome is correct
3. More handsome is correct. Handsomer has never sat well with me a although English says it is correct I've never heard it used.
4. Both are valid renderings, as you put it, but "handsomer" is a bit awkward. Most people would probably say "more handsome".