Question

The principal's speech about student council elections was _______ than her speech last year.

Which word or phrase best completes the sentence above?
briefest
briefer
more brief
most brief

Answer 1

"Briefer" and "more brief" are both correct. When comparing two items, use -er. In this case, the two items being compared are the speech this year with the speech last year. However, "briefer" and "more brief" have virtually the same meaning and can be used interchangeably.