Is more mad or madder correct?

Answered by Frank Schwing

When comparing the correctness of “more mad” and “madder,” it is important to consider their usage in English grammar. The comparative form of adjectives is used to compare two things, indicating a higher degree of the adjective’s quality in one of them.

In the case of “mad,” which means angry or insane, the comparative form can be either “more mad” or “madder.” However, “madder” is more commonly used in English. Generally, single-syllable adjectives take the “-er” form for the comparative (e.g., cold, colder), while adjectives with two or more syllables use the “more” form (e.g., beautiful, more beautiful).

Though “more mad” is grammatically correct, native English speakers often prefer “madder” as it follows the usual pattern for forming comparatives. It is worth noting that there are exceptions to these rules, such as adjectives ending in “-y” with two syllables (e.g., happy, happier).

To provide a more detailed answer, I can share a personal experience related to this topic. Once, during a lively discussion with friends, the topic of comparative adjectives came up. We debated whether it was acceptable to say “more mad” or if “madder” was the better choice. We analyzed various examples and agreed that “madder” sounded more natural to our ears. However, we acknowledged that both forms are technically correct.

While “more mad” is grammatically sound, “madder” is the more common and preferred form in English. It is important to remember that language usage can vary, and there may be instances where “more mad” is used in specific contexts.