Degrees of Adverb
Adverbs describe how an action is performed. Just like adjectives, they can also be used to make comparisons. These comparisons are known as the degrees of adverbs.
The Three Degrees of Comparison
Adverbs have three degrees to show the level of the action.
Positive Degree
Used when no comparison is being made. It simply describes how an action is done.
e.g., She runs fast.
Comparative Degree
Used to compare two actions. Adverbs often end in "-er" or are used with "more."
e.g., She runs faster than her brother.
Superlative Degree
Used to compare three or more actions, showing the highest degree. Adverbs often end in "-est" or are used with "most."
e.g., She runs the fastest in her class.
How to Form Comparative & Superlative Adverbs
The rules for forming comparative and superlative adverbs depend on the structure of the base adverb.
One-Syllable Adverbs
For short adverbs, we typically add "-er" for the comparative and "-est" for the superlative.
| Positive | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|---|---|
| fast | faster | fastest |
| early | earlier | earliest |
| late | later | latest |
| hard | harder | hardest |
Adverbs with Two or More Syllables (especially ending in -ly)
For longer adverbs, we use "more" for the comparative and "most" for the superlative.
| Positive | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|---|---|
| beautifully | more beautifully | most beautifully |
| carefully | more carefully | most carefully |
| slowly | more slowly | most slowly |
| efficiently | more efficiently | most efficiently |
Irregular Adverbs
Some common adverbs have irregular forms that do not follow the standard rules. These must be memorized.
| Positive | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|---|---|
| well | better | best |
| badly | worse | worst |
| little | less | least |
| much | more | most |
| far | farther/further | farthest/furthest |
Important Rules & Exceptions
- Most adverbs ending in -ly use more and most. (e.g., quickly → more quickly)
- If an adverb ends in -y, change it to -i before adding -er or -est. (e.g., early → earlier)
- Adverbs that do not describe manner, time, or degree (like "always," "here," "very," "almost") cannot be compared and do not have comparative or superlative forms.
- Do not use a double comparative or superlative (e.g., more faster or most slowest).
Key Takeaways
- Adverbs, like adjectives, have three degrees of comparison: positive, comparative, and superlative.
- Shorter adverbs usually form comparatives and superlatives with -er and -est.
- Longer adverbs (especially those ending in -ly) use "more" and "most."
- Not all adverbs can be compared (e.g., always, here, very).