Like adjectives, adverbs can have comparative and superlative forms to show varying degrees of action.
1. Comparative Adverbs
Comparative adverbs compare two actions and are used to describe whether one action is performed more or less than the other.
- Forming Comparative Adverbs:
- For most adverbs that end in -ly, use more or less before the adverb.
- Example: carefully → more carefully
- For single-syllable adverbs, add -er.
- Example: fast → faster
- For most adverbs that end in -ly, use more or less before the adverb.
- In Sentences:
- She speaks more fluently than her brother.
- He runs faster than I do.
2. Superlative Adverbs
Superlative adverbs compare three or more actions and are used to indicate the highest degree of the adverb’s quality.
- Forming Superlative Adverbs:
- For most adverbs that end in -ly, use most or least before the adverb.
- Example: carefully → most carefully
- For single-syllable adverbs, add -est.
- Example: fast → fastest
- For most adverbs that end in -ly, use most or least before the adverb.
- In Sentences:
- She drives most carefully of all the drivers.
- He finishes his work the fastest.
Irregular Forms: Some adverbs have irregular comparative and superlative forms.
- Examples:
- well → better → best
- badly → worse → worst
- far → farther/further → farthest/furthest