more than a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more than a" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to compare two or more things, with the first thing being larger or greater in quantity or value than the second thing. Example: "She is more than a friend, she is my best friend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

More than a little.

The New York Times - Sports

More than a lifetime.

The New Yorker

More than a thousand shows.

The New Yorker

More than a knack, really.

The New Yorker

Or more than a chance.

The Economist

Or more than a little.

The New Yorker

More than a dozen, apparently.

The New York Times

Maybe more than a bit.

The New York Times - Arts

(Maybe more than a few).

The New York Times

More than a great partner.

The New York Times

"It's more than a game.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "more than a" to emphasize that something is not just one thing, but also something greater or additional. For example, "This is more than a job; it's a calling."

Common error

Avoid using "more than a" when simply stating a fact without comparison. For example, instead of saying "He needs more than a rest," when you mean "He needs rest", use "He needs a rest" if no comparison is intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more than a" serves as a comparative adjective, indicating that something is not merely what it appears to be but possesses additional qualities or significance. Ludwig AI examples show it's used to elevate or emphasize the true nature of a subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more than a" is a versatile and commonly used comparative adjective that elevates the importance or qualities of a subject beyond its basic definition. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and frequently used in writing. It appears most often in News & Media, where it serves to emphasize and persuade. When using this phrase, ensure it clearly indicates a comparative relationship and avoids misuse in non-comparative contexts. Alternatives like "beyond a" or "not just a" can offer similar emphasis depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

greater than a

Directly indicates a larger quantity or degree.

not just a

Highlights that something is not limited to a particular aspect, implying additional qualities.

beyond a

Emphasizes exceeding a boundary or limit.

exceeding a

Highlights the act of surpassing a specific value or expectation.

surpassing a

Similar to exceeding, but often implies a higher level of achievement.

considerably over a

Highlights that a number is way bigger than specified value.

over and above a

Suggests something additional or extra, going beyond the basic requirement.

in excess of a

Formally indicates that a quantity is larger than a specified amount.

instead of a

Offers an alternative, implying that the initial option is not suitable.

rather than a

Indicates a preference for one thing over another.

FAQs

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

Use "more than a" to emphasize that something exceeds a basic expectation or definition. For example, "This project is "more than a success"; it's a game-changer."

What are some alternatives to "more than a"?

You can use alternatives like "beyond a", "greater than a", or "not just a" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "more than a little"?

Yes, "more than a little" is a common idiom used to indicate that something is significant or noticeable. For example, "He was "more than a little surprised" by the news."

What's the difference between "more than a" and "rather than a"?

"More than a" emphasizes exceeding a certain level or definition, while "rather than a" indicates a preference or substitution. For instance, "This is more than a hobby; it's a passion" versus "I'd prefer a coffee rather than a tea".