Prefixes

[louannjordan]

Hi,

I would like to know why the prefix un- cannot be attached to such words as happier, luckier and friendlier.

Thanking you in advance for your assistance.

Lou-Ann Jordan

 

[Mohammed Abu Risha]

unluckier?

It is a very interesting question, but how can we answer it? I am not sure why.

 

[Horsa]

Actually, I believe we not only can but often do. Perhaps in teaching EFL some adhere too closely to the 'rules' about more/most and 3 syllable adjectives. I googled it and found as many entries using the un + ier forms as used the more + un + ly

 

[Tdol]

You will hear those forms being used, though less so in formal language.