Dirtier / more dirty ? Does the second one really exist?

Dirtier / more dirty ? Does the second one actually exist?

Yes, it does. It's less common than 'dirtier', but it certainly exists.

While it is true that we usually make comparatives of two-syllable adjectives ending in 'y' with 'ier', this isn't always the case. In fact, we have the option of using the alternative 'more + adjective' option with <em>any </em>adjective, regardless of the number of syllables. While adjectives of three or more syllables <em>must</em> form their comparative with 'more', those with one or two syllables <em>can - </em>but don't have to - use the 'ier' construction.

For stylistic reasons, we sometimes choose to use the alternative 'more + adjective' option. As in Hazel's example, you can add emphasis by saying 'even <em>more </em>dirty'. Or you might choose to say 'more dirty' in a list: for example, "It has become more disorganised, more dirty and more unpleasant than ever".

To sum up: It isn't common, but it isn't wrong, either.

Hmm, maybe I am wrong about "righter". I was thinking of, say, a multiple choice test. Answer B could be right, but answer C is the rightest. I still think technically it could be grammatically correct, though I admit it does sound a bit off.

As for "even more dirty," "even dirtier" sounds great to me. I do see keeping the consistency in a series, such as more this, more that, more dirty... It's a stylistic thing.

Bottom line, no one's going to look at you too funny if you say "more dirty".

"Dirtier" is correct.

Adjectives with two syllables ending in "y" take the comparative form with "-ier".

For example: happy- happier, pretty - prettier.

That's the rule explained in text books for British English - people in other countries might use different rules. Plus, native speakers don't necessarily follow all rules from grammar books.

"Dirtier" is better. "More dirty" could mean the same as "dirtier", but is more likely to be used to make a point, or if "dirtier" has already been used.

For example:

John's shoes are dirtier than Maria's, but Adam's shoes are even more dirty.

or

I told my brother to clean his room because it was dirtier than I had ever seen it, but when I looked again it was even more dirty.

Also I have to disagree with Carly. "Righter" is a word but is not used to mean "more right", at least not in the UK. I have only ever heard it used for someone who puts things right, as in

"She was a righter of wrongs and helped everyone she could."

If you ever use "righter" to mean "more right" you will either sound very wrong, or if you are lucky you might sound like you are being intentionally silly. "You are both wrong but Jo is righter than Ben hahaha."

My understanding is that if the adjective has two syllables or less, its correct to add the -er (and this will generally seem more natural), but adding "more" for the comparative form is not necessarily incorrect.

Examples:

fast --> faster

smart --> smarter

There are exception, however:

awkward --> more awkward. Awkwarder sounds very odd.

However, if the word is three syllables or more, you do not have the option of adding the comparative - er ending. In those cases adding -er is grammatically incorrect.

Examples:

intelligent --> more intelligent

perspicacious (observant) --> more perspicacious