How should I write this sentence?
1) "They deceive themselves. It is much more interesting than the fact that they deceive others."

My intuition tells me this is wrong. So I came up with alternatives.

2) "They deceive themselves. It is much the more interesting fact than the fact that they deceive others."
3) "They deceive themselves. It is much more interesting than that they deceive others."
4) "They deceive themselves. It is much more interesting than they deceive others."

I have two questions here:
1. If any of these sentences have grammatical errors, what are they?
2. What do you think is the optimal sentence to convey my message?

Thanks in advance.

Question

How should I write this sentence?
1) "They deceive themselves. It is much more interesting than the fact that they deceive others."

My intuition tells me this is wrong.  So I came up with alternatives.

2) "They deceive themselves. It is much the more interesting fact than the fact that they deceive others."
3) "They deceive themselves. It is much more interesting than that they deceive others."
4) "They deceive themselves. It is much more interesting than they deceive others."

I have two questions here:
1. If any of these sentences have grammatical errors, what are they?
2. What do you think is the optimal sentence to convey my message?

Thanks in advance.

Answer

1 is fine, and is reasonably natural. 
2 and 4 are awkward and unnatural.
3 is also a little odd.
What is your message? Explain what you want to say, and we can then try to work out the best way to say it.

Answer

Actually, the first (original) sentence is the most natural, and is perfectly grammatical

Answers · 2

Still haven’t found your answers?

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn a language from the comfort of your own home. Browse our selection of experienced language tutors and enroll in your first lesson now!