which was more

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which was more" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing two things, indicating that one is greater or superior in some way than the other. Example: "The second option was more appealing, which was more than I had expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Which was more serious?

The New Yorker

Which was more than his victims got.

The New York Times

Which was more important?

MIT Technology Review

Guess which was more appealing?

The New York Times

It's a toss-up which was more of a revelation.

The New York Times - Sports

But capital expenditure fell 1.3%, which was more than expected.

The Guardian

Which was more than Ryan Harris could do.

The Guardian - Sport

Building any higher required fireproof construction, which was more expensive.

The New York Times

"I don't know which was more embarrassing," Mr. Affleck says.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Which is more important?

The New York Times

Which is more valuable?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which was more", ensure the context provides a clear basis for comparison. Vague comparisons can confuse the reader.

Common error

Ensure that the items or concepts being compared using "which was more" are clearly defined. Avoid vague references that leave the reader unsure of the basis for comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which was more" functions as a comparative interrogative phrase. It is used to inquire about the greater extent, degree, or significance between two options. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard way to make comparisons in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

22%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which was more" is a common and grammatically sound way to compare two options. It is frequently used in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts to elicit a comparative judgment. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and understandable. To ensure clarity, always define the items being compared to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternative phrases like "what mattered more" or "which held greater significance" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what mattered more

Focuses on the relative importance rather than a general comparison.

which held greater significance

Emphasizes the significance or importance of one option over another.

what was of higher priority

Highlights the prioritization aspect of the comparison.

which proved more beneficial

Specifically assesses the benefits derived from each option.

what carried greater weight

Suggests a comparison of influence or impact.

which ranked higher

Implies a comparison based on a specific ranking system.

what eclipsed the other

Indicates one option overshadowing or surpassing the other.

which was the greater of the two

More formal and explicit way of asking which of two options is larger or more significant.

what surpassed the other

Highlights the aspect of exceeding or outperforming.

which took precedence

Focuses on which option was given priority or came first.

FAQs

How can I use "which was more" in a sentence?

Use "which was more" to compare two elements directly, as in "Which was more important, the presentation or the networking event?".

What are some alternatives to "which was more"?

You could use phrases like "what mattered more", "which held greater significance", or "what was of higher priority" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "which is more" instead of "which was more"?

The choice between "which is more" and "which was more" depends on the tense you need to convey. Use "which is more" for present or ongoing comparisons, and "which was more" for past comparisons.

What's the difference between "which was more" and "what was more"?

"Which was more" is typically used when comparing two specific, defined options. "What was more" is used more broadly when the options are not explicitly stated but implied by the context.