Learn English – Usage of comparative with a set of adjectives

comparatives

Today I heard in a video a phrase that puzzled me a bit, specifically

"…a more just and fair system…"

My previous understanding is that it should had been "fairer and juster" but now I have deep doubts having seen several similar combinations all over the internet.

Are both forms acceptable, and if not, why not?

Best Answer

Both are valid. "More just and fair" means "More (just and fair)", by which I mean that more is applied to both just and fair, giving you juster and fairer.

More importantly to me,

more just and fair

is more elegant (and more eloquent) English than

juster and fairer

although I believe most politicians would choose

a juster, fairer system

Which is still more elegant English than juster and fairer while being less formal (and so more accessible) than more just and fair

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