preposition

more than

mor THAN

More than (preposition) means Greater in number, amount or degree than a stated figure or thing. Example: “More than 200 people applied for the job.”

preposition

Greater in number, amount or degree than a stated figure or thing.

"More than 200 people applied for the job."

"It cost more than I expected."

adverb

Used before an adjective or adverb to mean 'very' or 'amply', with a suggestion that the standard is comfortably exceeded.

"You are more than welcome to stay the night."

"She was more than capable of running the department."

How to Use More than

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAbove a certain amount, or 'very'.

When to use it

Neutral. In careful writing, 'more than' is preferred to 'over' before precise counts, though both are widely accepted.

Memory tip

After 'more than' with a plural noun, the verb is plural: 'more than fifty people were waiting'.

Easily confused with

over → fewer than less than rather than →

Common pairings

more than enough more than happy more than ever more than double

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ 200 people applied for the job.

Synonyms

View more →

over in excess of above amply thoroughly perfectly

Antonyms

less than fewer than

Related Words

over under during done quite above across upon

Rhymes for more than

Ethan Elizabethan

See all rhymes for more than →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'more than' and 'over'?

With numbers they mean the same thing, and both are standard English. Some style guides prefer 'more than' for countable quantities and reserve 'over' for spatial relationships, but the supposed rule against 'over 200 people' has no real basis.

Should it be 'more than' or 'fewer than'?

They are opposites, not alternatives. 'More than' works for both countable and uncountable nouns, while its opposite splits: 'fewer than' for things you count, 'less than' for quantities you measure.

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