What is the comparative form of “harmful”?
The comparative form of “harmful” is “more harmful”.Example
Smoking is more harmful than vaping.
Example
Using plastic bags is more harmful to the environment than using reusable bags.
What is the superlative form of “harmful”?
The superlative form of “harmful” is “most harmful”.Example
Among all the substances, asbestos is the most harmful to human health.
Example
Pollution from factories is the most harmful to the environment.
Why is this expression not used with most, more?
"Most" and "more" are used with "harmful" to form the comparatives and superlatives. The forms "more harmful" and "most harmful" are commonly used to indicate a higher degree of harm.
Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?
"Harmful" follows the regular pattern of using "more" and "most" for forming comparatives and superlatives.
Expressions with similar meanings to “more harmful”
Example
Excessive exposure to the sun is more damaging to the skin than occasional exposure.
Used to indicate that something has a greater negative impact or effect.
Example
Lack of exercise is more detrimental to health than occasional indulgence in unhealthy food.
Expressions with similar meanings to “most harmful”
Example
The hurricane was the most damaging natural disaster in recent history.
Used to indicate that something has the greatest negative impact or effect.
Example
The lack of education is the most detrimental factor to social progress.
Using than with comparative “more harmful”
When using the comparative form "more harmful" to compare two things, you would use "than" to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "Smoking is more harmful than vaping." Here, "than" is used to show that the level of harm caused by smoking is higher than the level of harm caused by vaping.
How can I use this expression in context?
“more harmful” and “most harmful” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.- 1Substances
Acidic substances are more harmful to metal surfaces.
Acidic substances are more harmful to metal surfaces.
- 2Actions
Speeding is the most harmful driving behavior.
Speeding is the most harmful driving behavior.
- 3Effects
The side effects of the medication are more harmful than the benefits.
The side effects of the medication are more harmful than the benefits.
- 4Environmental Impact
Deforestation is the most harmful activity for biodiversity.
Deforestation is the most harmful activity for biodiversity.
Related idioms and phrases
A double-edged sword
Something that has both positive and negative consequences.
Example
Technology can be a double-edged sword if not used responsibly.
Bite the hand that feeds you
To harm or betray someone who has helped or supported you.
Example
He bit the hand that fed him by spreading false rumors about his boss.
