Over or more than? Both are correct when you talk about numbers. “Over” sounds casual, while “more than” sounds formal. The choice is about style, not grammar. Pick the one that fits your tone, then stay consistent.
Is Over or More Than a Grammar Rule?
No. The rule against “over” started with a newspaper editor, William Cullen Bryant, in the late 1800s. He listed it as a word to avoid but gave no grammatical reason.
The rule lasted for more than a century in newsrooms. In 2014, the AP Stylebook dropped it and accepted both forms. Major style guides had already done the same.
When to Use Over
Use “over” when you want a relaxed, natural sound. It has meant “more than” since Old English, so it is far from new.
Over for Numbers, Time, and Distance
“Over” fits quantities, age, duration, and distance well. It feels smooth in everyday writing.
- The trail runs over 12 miles.
- She has lived here for over a decade.
- Our team answered over 500 emails this week.
When Over Can Confuse Readers
Sometimes “over” can point to physical position instead of quantity. That creates a double meaning.
Take “He jumped over three hurdles.” Did he clear them, or did he jump more than three? “More than three hurdles” removes the doubt.
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When to Use More Than
Choose “more than” when you want a formal tone or exact meaning. It works as a comparison, so it never suggests position.
More Than in Formal Writing
Reports, research papers, and legal documents often favor “more than.” It reads as clear and precise.
Some editors also require it in their house style. If you write for a publication, check its style guide first.
Phrases Where Over Does Not Work
Some fixed phrases only work with “more than.” Swapping in “over” breaks them.
- She was more than happy to help.
- I have told you more than once.
- We have more than enough chairs.
- He is more than a coach to the team.
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Over vs More Than
| Feature | Over | More Than |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning with numbers | In excess of | In excess of |
| Tone | Casual, conversational | Formal, precise |
| Best for | Blogs, emails, news | Reports, research, legal text |
| Shows physical position | Yes | No |
| Works in fixed phrases | Sometimes | Often |
Over or More Than Examples
Examples With Over
- Our app has over two million downloads.
- The meeting ran over an hour.
- That house is over 100 years old.
- Prices rose over 8 percent last year.
Examples With More Than
- More than 60 percent of voters showed up.
- The report covers more than 300 companies.
- She earns more than her manager.
- It costs more than I expected.
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Conclusion
Both words are correct for numbers, so write with confidence. Let tone and style guides decide.
Use “over” for a friendly, easy voice. Use “more than” for formal or precise writing. When in doubt, “more than” is the safer pick.
FAQ’s About Over or More Than
Is it “over” or “more than” for numbers?
Both are correct. “Over” sounds casual and “more than” sounds formal. Choose based on your tone.
Does AP style allow “over” instead of “more than”?
Yes. The AP Stylebook accepted both in 2014. It also accepts “under” in place of “less than.”
Can “over” and “more than” be used interchangeably?
With numbers, yes. Outside numbers, no. Phrases like “more than once” and “more than happy” need “more than.”
Which is more formal, “over” or “more than”?
“More than” is more formal. It suits reports, research, and professional writing.
Is there a difference between British and American English here?
Not really. Both varieties accept “over” and “more than” for quantities. The choice depends on style, not region.
Hi, I’m Dylan Ross, the author of GrammarConcept.com. I make English grammar, grammar rules, and sentence structure easier to understand through simple explanations, practical examples, and helpful guides. My goal is to help students, writers, and English learners improve their grammar and communicate with confidence.
