Is safer a word or is it more safe?

Answered by Cody Janus

Safer and more safe are both correct ways to express the idea of being more secure or protected. However, there is a slight difference in usage between the two.

Safer is the more commonly used form in everyday speech. It is a comparative adjective, indicating that something has a higher level of safety compared to something else. For example, you might say, “Driving with a seatbelt is safer than driving without one.”

On the other hand, more safe is grammatically correct and is often used in formal writing or to add emphasis. It is formed by adding the word “more” before the adjective “safe.” For example, you might say, “Wearing a helmet makes motorcycling more safe.”

While both forms are acceptable, the usage of safer is more prevalent in spoken language, while more safe is more commonly found in written contexts. It is important to note that using more safe instead of safer can sometimes sound slightly awkward or formal in casual conversations.

In my personal experience, I have observed that people tend to use safer more frequently in everyday speech. However, there may be instances where using more safe is preferred, such as when emphasizing the importance of safety in a formal document or when discussing specific safety measures in detail.

Both safer and more safe are correct ways to convey the idea of being more secure or protected. The choice between the two depends on the context and the level of formality of the communication.