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Comparative and Superlative Adverbs
Forming Comparative and Superlative Adverbs
An adverb can be in one of the following three degrees.- The positive degree.
For example: - widely, beautifully, well, hard
- The comparative degree.
For example: - more widely, more beautifully, better, harder
- The superlative degree.
For example: - most widely, most beautifully, best, hardest

Are You Good at Forming Comparative and Superlative Adverbs?
Here's a quick test. (Hint: Check whether you're looking for the comparative degree or the superlative degree before clicking.)

More Examples of Comparative Adverbs
Here are some more examples of comparative adverbs:- The goat can see better than you think.
- Try to paint the edges more carefully; it will save time later.
- He tries harder than most, but he has no aptitude for languages.
- The engine operates less efficiently with alcohol.
More Examples of Superlative Adverbs
Here are some more examples of superlative adverbs:- I have found that the office runs best with the radio on and the heating down.
- The gift is most gratefully received.
- It was obvious that they were not used to high heels, but Karen moved least gracefully of all.
- She answered most abruptly .
Forming Comparative and Superlative Adverbs
The table below shows the rules for forming comparative and superlative adverbs:Type of Adverb | Example in the Positive Degree | How to Form the Comparative | How to Form the Superlative |
---|---|---|---|
one syllable | add er | add est | |
more than one syllable | add less or more | add most or least | |
irregular | no rules | no rules |
Only Do It Once!
In general, comparative and superlative adverbs do not cause difficulties for native English speakers. However, the mistake of using a double comparative or a double superlative is fairly common in speech. This error is more common with the comparative and superlative adjectives, but is occasionally seen with adverbs too. For example:- Of all the fish in Europe, pike attack the most fastest.
Interactive Exercise
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