Comparative Adverbs
Basics on the topic Comparative Adverbs
Comparative Adverbs – Definition
What is a comparative adverb? Comparatives are used for comparing actions and events with one another. There are three forms we use for comparing. The positive, comparative and the superlative. Look at the chart below to see examples of these three forms of adverbs.
| Form | Example |
|---|---|
| positive | long |
| comparative | longer |
| superlative | longest |
The comparative adverb compares two actions or performances to one another.
Revision – Adverbs
Remember: Adverbs are words used to describe verbs. With adverbs, you can describe how something is done or in what manner something is done. You can find the adverb in a sentence by examining if the verb is described in more detail.
| Subject | Verb | Adverb | Object |
|---|---|---|---|
| My brother | runs | slower | than my sister. |
The adverb (slower) compares how fast the brother in the example can run compared to his sister.
Forming Comparative Adverbs
How do we make comparative adverbs? In this section we will look at the many different ways to make a comparative form of an adverb. Learning about these rules will help you answer the question: How do we use comparative adverbs? Each rule will also follow with comparative form of adverbs examples so you can also learn what is a comparative adverb example?
Forming Regular Comparatives
Regular comparative adverbs follow rules and patterns.
- If an adverb has one syllable, add the suffix er to the end. For example, fast is a one syllable adverb. We change it to the comparative form by adding the suffix er, making it faster.
- If an adverb has two syllables, add more or less in front. For example, quickly and often are two syllable adverbs. We change it to the comparative form by adding more or less in front, making them more quickly and less often.
Forming Irregular Comparatives
Irregular comparative adverbs don't follow any of these rules, so we need to memorize how to make each of these adverbs comparative!
For example, the comparative adverb for far is further or farther.
Forming Informal Comparative Adverbs
Informal comparative adverbs are usually used in speech. Formal comparative adverbs are usually used in writing. These adverbs are also considered irregular because they don’t follow any rules, so we just have to memorize them! Let’s look at an example of formal and informal comparative adverbs:
| Type of comparative | Example |
|---|---|
| Formal | more slowly |
| Informal | slower |
In complete sentences, you would use formal and informal comparative adverbs like this:
- Mr. Blank, I think you should drive more slowly.
- We will get there slower if you don’t speed up, Mary!
Whenever something is formal, it means that you address somebody in a more polite and professional manner. When you use informal language, you address friends, family and people close to you in a less serious manner.
What is a Comparative Adverb Summary
What is a comparative adverb? The comparative adverb definition states that it compares two actions or performances to one another. Regular comparative adverbs follow rules and patterns. Irregular comparative adverbs don't follow any of these rules, so we need to memorize how to make each of these adverbs comparative.
Want some more practice comparative adverbs? On this website you will find interactive exercises with examples, worksheets, and other activities!
Transcript Comparative Adverbs
Comparative Adverbs Pip and Koko just completed a round of their favorite game: Bigger, Better, Hero Adventure! The score screen uses comparative adverbs to describe how they did! Let's take a closer look. An adverb describes an action by answering questions such as: how?, when?, where?, how often?, and in what way?. A comparative adverb compares two actions or performances to one another. Regular comparative adverbs follow rules and patterns. If an adverb has ONE syllable, or one single unbroken sound, add the suffix
Comparative Adverbs exercise
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Which questions do adverbs answer?
HintsWhat questions do the bold-faced words in the sentence below answer?
Pip ran faster than Koko to the store.
This correct answer is the same as asking "What time?"
There are five correct answers.
SolutionAn adverb answers questions such as: How did the car drive? When do you do your homework? Where was the bird? How often do you go to the beach? In what way did the crowd cheer?
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Explain the rules for making comparative adverbs.
HintsPip played the game more often than Koko.
SolutionMemorize the rules of regular comparative adverbs:
- If an adverb has one syllable, add er to the end.
- If an adverb has two syllables, add more or less in front.
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Recognize the different types of comparative adverbs.
HintsRegular adverbs with one syllable add the suffix -er to become comparative.
The word quicker is an example of an informal comparative adverb.
Solution- Irregular comparative adverbs don't follow rules and must be memorized.
- Regular comparative adverbs add er or est on the end.
- Formal adverbs are used in writing and include the word more or less.
- Informal comparative adverbs can be used in speech.
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Determine the types of comparative adverbs.
HintsRegular adverbs with 2 syllables become comparative with the addition of the words more or less.
The comparative of well is better.
Here is an example of a sentence using a regular comparative adverb:
The test was harder than we thought!
SolutionRegular adverbs with 1 syllable take the suffix er to become comparative. Irregular adverbs must be memorized.
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Make the adverbs comparative.
HintsWhen you do something well, it may be better than how someone else does it.
Adverbs that end in y, drop the y and add ier to become comparative.
SolutionTo make normal adverbs comparative, add er or ier.
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Create comparative adverbs.
HintsWhen making comparative adverbs with one syllable words, add the suffix -er.
When adding comparatives to a word that ends in -y, drop the y and add -ier.
SolutionHere are the answers with the correct comparative adverbs:
Jane had skates that were prettier than any other skates at the rink. They were red with yellow laces.
Jane was not faster than her friend Ernie, but she did not care. Her spins were more graceful than Ernie's. She loved to look elegant! Her moves were smoother than ice.
