The standard comparative correlative pattern the more you practice, the better you become never inverts subject and verb. A rare, archaic literary variant places an auxiliary before the subject for dramatic emphasis, as in the harder did he try, the less he succeeded, though this inverted form is almost never used in modern English.
Grammar Rule
The standard comparative correlative never inverts subject and verb: The more you practice, the better you become. A rare, archaic-flavored literary variant places an auxiliary before the subject for dramatic emphasis. This inverted form is extremely uncommon in modern English; default to the standard, uninverted pattern in your own writing.
Inversion with Comparative Correlatives: Rules and Examples
| Form | Register | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Standard, uninverted | correct and natural in virtually all contexts | The more you practice, the better you become. |
| Inverted (rare, literary) | archaic, almost never used today | The harder did he try, the less he succeeded. |
Remember: The standard uninverted form is correct and natural in virtually all modern contexts; the inverted variant is a rare literary flourish.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using comparative correlatives correctly. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
Inversion with Comparative Correlatives Exercises (CEFR C2)
Click «Start the test» to begin right away — no signup required. You can get a personalized certificate with your name and score at the end, if you want one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the standard comparative correlative invert subject and verb?
No, as in the more you practice, the better you become.
What does the rare literary variant do?
It places an auxiliary before the subject for dramatic emphasis, as in the harder did he try, the less he succeeded.
How common is the inverted variant in modern English?
Extremely uncommon; the standard uninverted pattern is preferred in your own writing.
Which form should you default to?
The standard, uninverted pattern, which is correct and natural in virtually all contexts.