more horrible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more horrible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you wish to emphasize something as being more unpleasant than the norm, or to compare two unpleasant things to one another. Example: "The sound of fingernails on a chalkboard is already bad, but the sound of a balloon popping is even more horrible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not better... more horrible".

Independent

It's always bigger, more horrible.

The New York Times

"The situation would be more horrible.

Independent

I can't think of anything more horrible.

The Guardian

Which human fate is the more horrible?

The Guardian - Opinion

"And the silence was more horrible.

The New York Times

"Here they treat you more horrible than a drunk bum".

The New Yorker

"So we could instantly make Marty more horrible".

The New York Times - Arts

Such evenhandedness makes the debacle seem more horrible, because normal.

The New Yorker

This grunge match is far more horrible than horrifying.

The New York Times

Junky is far more intense, more vivid, more horrible.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two negative situations, use "more horrible" to emphasize the greater degree of unpleasantness of one over the other. For example: "The accident was bad, but the aftermath was "more horrible"".

Common error

While "more horrible" is widely accepted, consider using synonyms like "more dreadful" or "more appalling" in formal writing to maintain a professional tone. "Horrible" can sometimes sound less sophisticated depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more horrible" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It serves to modify a noun by indicating a greater degree of horribleness than some other entity or situation. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Social Media

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more horrible" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative adjective phrase used to express a greater degree of horribleness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and appropriate in many contexts, particularly in News & Media. While its usage is widespread, writers should consider more formal alternatives in academic or professional settings to achieve a more refined tone. Key considerations include emphasizing the difference in unpleasantness and choosing synonyms carefully to match the specific nuance intended. The examples available in Ludwig provide ample illustrations of its versatile application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even more dreadful

Emphasizes the increased level of dreadfulness compared to something already considered dreadful.

considerably worse

Focuses on the augmented degree of badness or inferiority.

markedly more awful

Highlights a noticeable increase in the degree of awfulness.

substantially more terrible

Indicates a significant increase in the degree of terribleness.

significantly more appalling

Underscores the major degree of appall compared to something already appalling.

noticeably more gruesome

Highlights the increased level of gruesomeness compared to something already gruesome.

decidedly more frightful

Emphasizes a definite increase in the level of fright.

infinitely worse

Suggests a great or immeasurable difference in badness.

exceedingly more unpleasant

Focuses on the increased degree of disagreeableness or unpalatability.

far more atrocious

Highlights the enhanced level of heinousness compared to something already atrocious.

FAQs

How can I use "more horrible" in a sentence?

You can use "more horrible" to compare two unpleasant things, emphasizing that one is significantly worse than the other. For example: "The thought of failing the exam was upsetting, but the thought of disappointing my family was "more horrible"".

What is a synonym for "more horrible"?

Alternatives to "more horrible" include "even more dreadful", "considerably worse", or "significantly more appalling". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "more horrible"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "More" is used to form the comparative degree of adjectives, and "horrible" is a standard adjective. Therefore, "more horrible" is a valid and widely used comparative phrase.

When should I avoid using "more horrible"?

While acceptable in most contexts, consider using stronger or more formal alternatives like "more dreadful" or "more appalling" in academic or professional writing to achieve a more refined tone. The choice depends on the register and the intended audience.