Which should you use, the worse or the worst? The noun worse means something that is more unpleasant or difficult. Use the worse when you are comparing two objects. The noun phrase the worst means the most unpleasant or difficult thing, person, or situation. Use the worst when you are comparing more than two objects.
| Incorrect: |
They fear that the worse may happen.
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| Correct: |
They fear that the worst may happen.
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| Incorrect: |
His illness took a turn for the worst.
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| Correct: |
His illness took a turn for the worse.
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