Comparative adverbs show how one action is done relative to another, highlighting differences in manner, time, place, or degree.
Formation
Many comparative adverbs are formed by adding -ly to an adjective, but some common adverbs have irregular comparative forms you need to learn.
Regular Adverbs
Regular adverbs form the comparative by adding more before the adverb if it is long or by adding -er if it is short and adjective-like.
| Adjective | Adverb | Comparative Adverb | Comparative Form | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| quick | quickly | more quickly / quicker | more quickly | |
| slow | slowly | more slowly / slower | more slowly | |
| easy | easily | more easily / easier | more easily |
Irregular Adverbs
Irregular adverbs have unique comparative forms that do not follow the more or -er pattern, so you must memorize them.
| Positive Adverb | Comparative Adverb | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| well | better | use better for comparisons | |
| badly | worse | use worse for comparisons | |
| far | farther / further | both are accepted | |
| little | less | use less for amount or degree | |
| much | more | use more for amount or degree |
Usage
Comparative adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs and are often followed by than when making a direct comparison.
Common Adverbs
Adverbs that frequently appear in comparisons describe manner, time, place, and degree, so learn useful examples in each category.
Summary
Comparative adverbs highlight differences in how actions are performed, with regular forms using more or -er and irregular forms like better and worse needing to be learned.
Last updated: Fri Oct 24, 2025