pretty more

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pretty more" is not correct and not usable in written English.
It is a combination of two modifiers that do not work together properly, as "pretty" is an informal intensifier and "more" is a comparative that requires a base adjective. Example: "She is pretty more talented than her peers." (This is incorrect.)

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The show clothes were not pretty — more plain or even drab.

The New York Times

She may grow up valuing being pretty more than being strong and independent.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I was fired up Saturday, but it was pretty more reserved," Kidd said.

The New York Times - Sports

When we were thinking about how to shoot the scene, the default position was more pretty, more classical".

The New York Times

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, I think you said a "re-statement of the 1993 Understanding". Does President Assad agree that the 1993 Agreement should be strengthened and broadened, and pretty more of a guarantee?

Yale University

It's a pastoral enchantment without much narrative drive, but Mr. McGregor occasionally finds his stride in creating movement that expresses something less pretty, more intimate about the characters and their desires.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Few have played with un-pretty more than Tina Fey, who often contorts herself to be less attractive than she is.

The New York Times

But grander properties in prettier, more remote places have hardly increased in value.

The Economist

"And those additions make the whole thing much prettier, more unified and more beautiful".

The New York Times

A better, prettier, more natural version of the water rides at amusement parks.

The Guardian - Travel

Jennifer, born 10 minutes after June, imagined her older sister to be cleverer, prettier, more beloved.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "pretty more" in formal writing. Opt for alternatives like "quite a bit more" or "significantly more" to maintain grammatical correctness and clarity.

Common error

Do not combine the informal intensifier "pretty" with the comparative "more". This construction is grammatically incorrect. Choose one or the other, or use a different adverb to modify "more".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pretty more" functions as an attempted intensifier to a comparative adjective. However, it's grammatically incorrect, as noted by Ludwig AI, because "pretty" is an informal intensifier that does not combine well with the comparative "more".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "pretty more" appears in various sources, including news and media, it is considered grammatically incorrect by Ludwig AI. It attempts to intensify a comparative, but standard English prefers alternatives like ""quite a bit more"" or ""significantly more"". Therefore, it is best to avoid "pretty more" in formal writing and opt for grammatically sound alternatives to maintain clarity and professionalism. The phrase is more suited for informal contexts, but even then, clearer options exist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite a bit more

Replaces "pretty" with "quite a bit", providing a more grammatically sound intensifier.

significantly more

Emphasizes a substantial increase or difference, using a stronger and more formal adverb.

considerably more

Similar to "significantly more" but with a slightly more formal tone.

substantially more

Highlights a large degree or amount, maintaining a formal register.

noticeably more

Indicates that the increase or difference is easily observed or detected.

appreciably more

Suggests that the increase or difference is significant enough to be important.

a good deal more

Offers a more informal alternative, similar in meaning to "quite a bit more".

somewhat more

Indicates a moderate increase or difference, less intense than "significantly more".

markedly more

Emphasizes that the increase or difference is clearly defined or noticeable.

measurably more

Suggests that the increase or difference can be quantified or measured.

FAQs

How can I express a greater degree or amount correctly?

Instead of using the grammatically incorrect phrase "pretty more", consider using phrases like "quite a bit more", "significantly more", or "considerably more" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

What is a more formal alternative to "pretty more"?

For formal contexts, avoid "pretty more" and opt for phrases such as "substantially more" or "noticeably more". These alternatives provide a clearer and more professional tone.

Is "pretty more" grammatically correct?

No, "pretty more" is not grammatically correct. "Pretty" is an informal intensifier, while "more" is a comparative. These two words do not combine well in standard English. Use a different construction, like "much more" or "a lot more".

When is it appropriate to use "pretty more"?

It's generally best to avoid "pretty more" in both formal and informal writing. There are clearer and more effective ways to express the intended meaning. For example, you could use "a good deal more" in an informal context.