The more the merrier means the more people there are, the more fun it will be. It's a warm reply when someone asks if they can bring a friend or join a group, a trip or a shared project. Merry means cheerful; it isn't very common in everyday speech, and most people know it from Merry Christmas and this phrase.
When would you say the more the merrier?
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the more the merrier (as a reply); the + comparative, the + comparative: the sooner the better
- 'Can I bring my sister to the picnic?' 'Of course, the more the merrier!'
- We need volunteers for the park clean-up on Sunday, so tell your neighbours — the more the merrier.
What changed
First versionOf course you can bring your friends — the more the funnier!
RevisionOf course you can bring your friends — the more the merrier!
Funnier can look like the natural word for “more fun”, but funny means something that makes you laugh, not cheerful or enjoyable. The saying is fixed with merry, and it can't be swapped. Only one word was changed.
The phrase follows the pattern the + comparative, the + comparative, and people use it to talk about all sorts of things. The most useful one is the sooner the better: Please send me the signed contract, the sooner the better. The saying itself, though, never changes: the more the merrier.
Your turn
'Do you mind if two of my colleagues join us for dinner?' 'Not at all — the more the ___!'
Show the answer
merrier — The saying is fixed with merrier. Funnier means “more amusing”: new guests make a dinner more fun, not more amusing, and a native speaker wouldn't say it.
Write a short dialogue: someone asks if they can bring a friend. Say yes and name the event.
'Can I bring my flatmate to your barbecue on Saturday?' 'Sure, the more the merrier!'
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