Just like adjectives, adverbs can be used in comparative and superlative forms to compare actions.
One-Syllable Adverbs
Add -er and -est. These are short, common adverbs.
| Base | Comparative | Superlative | | ----- | ----------- | ----------- | | fast | faster | fastest | | hard | harder | hardest | | early | earlier | earliest | | late | later | latest |
- She runs faster than me.
- He works hardest in the team.
Adverbs Ending in -ly
Use more and most (or less and least).
| Base | Comparative | Superlative | | ----------- | ---------------- | ---------------- | | carefully | more carefully | most carefully | | quietly | more quietly | most quietly | | beautifully | more beautifully | most beautifully |
- She sings more beautifully than her sister.
- He spoke most quietly of everyone.
Irregular Comparative Adverbs
These do not follow the rules.
| Base | Comparative | Superlative | | ----- | --------------- | ----------------- | | well | better | best | | badly | worse | worst | | far | farther/further | farthest/furthest |
- She speaks English better than I do.
- He was worst affected by the news.
Using "As...As" with Adverbs
Use as + adverb + as to show equality:
- She runs as fast as her brother.
- He didn't do it as carefully as he should have.