Correct and natural? 'Tom prefers the movies over the computer more nowadays'?

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Peaceblinkfriend

#535776 Wed, 02 Jul 08 01:12 PM

Is it correct and natural to say 'Tom prefers the movies over the computer more nowadays'?

Thank you

PBF

Peaceblinkfriend

Joined on Wed, May 9 2007

Australia

Contributing Member (1,552)

Grammar Geek

#535816 Wed, 02 Jul 08 02:02 PM

If he prefers something, he likes it more than something else. You don't have to say "more."

Tom prefers the movies to the computer nowadays.

These days, Tom likes going to the movies more than he does playing on the computer.

Grammar Geek

Joined on Tue, Jan 10 2006

Pennsylvania, USA

Veteran Member (15,538)

Barbara, who answers in American English.

New2grammar

#535820 Wed, 02 Jul 08 02:11 PM

Grammar Geek
These days, Tom likes going to the movies more than he does playing on the computer.

GG, can I obmit [he does]?

New2grammar

Joined on Tue, Nov 21 2006

Veteran Member (7,670)

Who wants to go sailing around the world with me?

Grammar

Grammar Geek

#535823 Wed, 02 Jul 08 02:14 PM

You can, but the reader may be set with the expectation that you're telling him that Tom likes going to the movies more than the live theater -- in other words, the contrast is between where he likes to go rather than what he likes to do. Adding in "he does" shows that we're contrasting entire activities, not imply destinations.

Grammar Geek

Peaceblinkfriend

#535841 Wed, 02 Jul 08 02:34 PM

Thanks for your replies.

GG, what if I want to express a gradual increase in preference?

Peaceblinkfriend

Grammar Geek

#536007 Wed, 02 Jul 08 09:24 PM

A gradula increase? Can you tell me what you mean?

Tom has a slight preference for action films over dramas - something like that?

Grammar Geek

Mr Wordy

#536010 Wed, 02 Jul 08 09:31 PM

When I read the sentence I understood "more" to mean "more than before". In other words, Tom's preference for the movies is stronger than it used to be. I think that's what PBF is getting at...

Mr Wordy

Joined on Tue, May 27 2008

Regular Member (960)

Native British English speaker

New2grammar

#536013 Wed, 02 Jul 08 09:36 PM

Grammar Geek
You can, but the reader may be set with the expectation that you're telling him that Tom likes going to the movies more than the live theater

GG, Sorry but I don't see why omitting 'he does' changes the meaning of the sentence. Below is how I would parse the sentence without 'he does'. It's clear that we're comparing activities. Coudl you help me understand your thought?

These days, Tom likes (going to the movies more) than (playing on the computer).

New2grammar

Grammar

Grammar Geek

#536014 Wed, 02 Jul 08 09:39 PM

It doesn't change the meaning at all - it helps the reader know where we're going. If it confuses you, then don't worry about it. Just leave it out. It's grammatical without it.

Tom likes going (to the movies) more than (to the live theater).

Tom likes (going to the moves) more than (playing on the computer).

Grammar Geek

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