Why is this correct

Question

Between considerable and considerably, "considerably" is the answer. Please someone help me understand this.The fee is (considerable, considerably) more than I expected.

Doctor D · Accepted Answer

Considerably is the answer because you need an adverbial form here, not an adjective.

considerable is an adjective. It means "large in degree or number."
That is a considerable fortune. (The adjective "considerable" modifies the noun "fortune.")

considerably is an adverb. It means "by a large amount" or "greatly."
That pig is considerably fatter than I hoped. (The adverb "considerably" modifies the adjective "fatter.")

You can say
The fee is considerable. (Here "considerable" is an adjective modifying "fee.")
But if you say
The fee is [?] more than I expected
You need an adverb to modify the adjective phrase "more than I expected"--so "considerably."

Clear?

Vsuresh · Answer

Here it is an adverbial, so it is considerably.

The fee is considerably more than I expected.
considerably is modifying the adjective more.

Desafinado · Answer

Thanks, Doctor D! It is crystal clear now.

Desafinado · Answer

Thank you, vsuresh! now I understand considerably modifies more.

Why is this correct

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