ENGLISH
REFERENCE

even more difficult

fixed phr..
A2 Elementary Oxford

fixed phr.. This phrase adds emphasis to 'more difficult'. It means something is surprisingly or much more difficult than you expected.

fixed phr.. An intensified comparative adjective phrase where the adverb 'even' emphasizes the degree of increase in difficulty, often implying a surprising or notable difference.


SIMPLE

This new level is even more difficult.

CONTEXTUAL

I thought the first test was hard, but this one is even more difficult.

COMPLEX

Securing funding was already a challenge, but navigating the regulatory approvals proved to be even more difficult.

Usage

Use 'even' to add emphasis to any comparative adjective, like 'even taller' or 'even more expensive'.

Teaching tip

Teach 'even' as an intensifier for comparatives to express surprise or a greater-than-expected difference, contrasting it with other intensifiers like 'much' and 'far'.

Pitfall

This is very more difficult.This is even more difficult.Use 'even' or 'much' to emphasize a comparative adjective, not 'very'.

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