"all the more handy" or "all the handier"

Question

Which version is the more correct one?Isn't the latter supposed to be the one that's correct? how come I hear people say the former all the time?

GPY · Accepted Answer

Both seem acceptable to me. What makes you think only the latter is correct?

BarbaraPA · Answer

The phrasing "all the..." leads to "more [adjective]" instead of "all the [adjective in comparative form].

All the move lovely - not "All the lovelier."
All the more happy - not "All the happier."

This is more idiomatic than grammatical. There is nothing "wrong" with the other form. We just don't tend to say it that way.

DiAAnaP · Answer

GPYBoth seem acceptable to me. What makes you think only the latter is correct?

Because "handier" is the correct comparative for "handy," and "more handy" is wrong:)

GPY · Answer

diAAnaP"more handy" is wrong

I don't agree with that. Also, as Barbara says, the familiarity of the phrasing "all the more ..." encourages use of "more handy" in this particular case.

Fivejedjon · Answer

diAAnaP"more handy" is wrong

It isn't.

DiAAnaP · Answer

fivejedjon diAAnaP"more handy" is wrongIt isn't.

That IS the correct comparative form, just because many are saying it does not make it right, PERIOD.

Fivejedjon · Answer

diAAnaPThat IS the correct comparative form, just because many are saying it does not make it right, PERIOD.

ps. Are you an expert on comma splices as well as on comparative forms?

DiAAnaP · Answer

fivejedjon diAAnaPThat IS the correct comparative form, just because many are saying it does not make it right, PERIOD.ps. Are you an expert on comma splices as well as on comparative forms?

What's so funny here, fivejedjon?
There isnt a single thing wrong with saying that "handier" is the only correct comparative form here, now leave this thread alone!

Fivejedjon · Answer

That's enough, thank you.

"all the more handy" or "all the handier"

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