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I am a little torn on which usage is correct here, the comparative adjective "easier" or the comparative adverb "more easily."

  1. Every other day this year will begin easier than this one ...
  2. Every other day this year will begin more easily than this one ...

Or are they interchangeable in this instance?

Thanks.

Michael
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  • In this case you need a comparative adverb as you are modifying the verb "begin" not the noun "day". "Easier" is an adjective and "more easily" is an adverbial phrase so you need "more easily". – BoldBen Mar 28 '21 at 08:52
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    Does this answer your question? easier, more easily, or easy – Edwin Ashworth Mar 28 '21 at 14:10
  • @BoldBen 'Easier' is not always an adjective. 'It's easier said than done.' – Edwin Ashworth Mar 28 '21 at 14:13
  • You can look at it a couple of different ways: 1. Easy is an adjective: The day will begin [being] easy. (cf. The day will begin [being] sunny.). And easily is an adverb: Today will begin how? Today will begin easily. 2. Easy is the flat adverb version of the adverb easily. Today will begin how? Today will begin easy. Since the day probably won't have any trouble getting itself started, you probably want the adjective interpretation. (Use easy / easier.) – Tinfoil Hat Mar 28 '21 at 19:37
  • You got a laugh out of me, Tinfoil, with "the day won't have any trouble..." Well done. It wasn't to personify the noun. Here it is with more context: – Michael Mar 29 '21 at 04:31
  • "Quieted by their nerves, they eye a brick, hub-and-spoke building situated at the top of the incline. Every other day this year will begin easier than this one, their first of fourth grade, but they can't see their way clear to that yet." – Michael Mar 29 '21 at 04:34

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