Comparative Adverbs
Here you can learn about the definition of comparative adverbs, as well as find numerous examples of comparative adverbs. Our comparative adverbs worksheets may also prove helpful. Our Comparative adverbs worksheets are free!
Perhaps you’ve never given it much thought but adjectives and adverbs have two things in common. They both modify another word and they both can show degrees of comparison. Adjectives are used to modify a noun or pronoun. Adverbs modify the meanings of verbs, adjectives and other adverbs. But what about comparative adverbs? What are they and when do you use them? Read on to find out more about comparative adverbs.
What Are Comparative Adverbs?
As is the case of regular adverbs, comparative adverbs modify. But in this case they show a degree of comparison. You use comparative adverbs when you want to compare two people, places, or things. Comparative adverbs are formed just like a comparative adjective is created. If it’s a short word, adding an –er to the end will transform a regular adverb into a comparative adverb. Like this:
Other times the words more and less will need to precede the adverb to form the comparative. This is the case with adverbs that end in –ly.
To show comparisons of equality, the word as is used.
There are some adverbs that cannot become comparative adverbs, such as sometimes, never, here, there, now, then, first, again, yesterday, and daily.
Comparative Adverbs don’t always stand alone. Another point to understand is that comparative adverbs can be combined with phrases or clauses. For example:
Examples of Comparative Adverbs
Below is the list of a few regular adverbs with their comparative forms.
| fast – faster | slow – slower |
| quick – quicker | early – earlier |
| bright – brighter | high – higher |
| recently – more recently | effectively – more effectively |
| carefully – more carefully | completely – more completely |
| gracefully – more gracefully | horribly – more horribly |
Comparative Adverbs Sentence Examples
Want to see some sentences? Here are a few examples of how comparative adverbs are used in sentences.
Irregular Forms of Comparative Adverbs
Some comparative adverbs exist in irregular forms. They don’t take on the suffix –er nor do they need the words more or less. The comparative adverb forms of these adverbs have totally different spellings. You’ll find examples of these and how they’re used in sentences below.
Well- better (I feel better now)
Much- more (I feel much better now)
Badly – worse (I feel worse than ever now)
Understanding comparative adverbs really isn’t too difficult. Keep in mind they’re used to compare two people, places, or things and they’re formed by adding the suffix – er to the regular form of a one-syllable adverb. In addition, they may have the word more or less preceding them. You’ll have to memorize the irregular forms, but with these simple rules you can tackle comparative adverb use more confidently.