Comparative Adverbs
Adverbs tell us how, when, where, or to what extent something happens, and comparative adverbs show differences in those ways between two or more actions. This guide goes over the main comparative adverbs with clear examples.
More / Less
To say that one action happens more or less than another, use more or less followed by the adverb. This construction works for all adverbs and is straightforward to apply.
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As ... As
To express that two actions are equal in the way they happen, use as + adjective or adverb + as. This pattern highlights similarity rather than difference.
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Double Comparatives
Double comparatives repeat the comparative form unnecessarily, so they should be avoided in standard English. Instead, use more or less with the base adverb, or rephrase the sentence.
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-ly Adverbs vs. Adjective Comparisons
Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, while adjectives modify nouns. Comparisons that affect manner should use adverbs, and be careful not to substitute an adjective where an adverb is required.
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Vocabulary
Familiar comparative adverbs and signal words help you notice and make comparisons clearly. Below are some useful adverbs and expressions for talking about degree and manner.
| English Word(s) | English Word(s) |
|---|---|
| more quickly | less slowly |
| as carefully as | more likely |
| nearly as fast | much more |
| quite as well | somewhat less |
| English | Spanish | French | German | Chinese (Pinyin) | Japanese (Romaji) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| quickly | rápidamente | rapidement | schnell | 快速地 (kuài sù de) | はやく (hayaku) |
| slowly | lentamente | lentement | langsam | 慢慢地 (màn màn de) | ゆっくり (yukkuri) |
| more | más | plus | mehr | 更多 (gèng duō) | もっと (motto) |
| less | menos | moins | weniger | 更少 (gèng shǎo) | すくなく (sukunaku) |
| very | muy | très | sehr | 很 (hěn) | とても (totemo) |
| quite | bastante | assez | ziemlich | 相当 (xiāng dāng) | かなり (kanari) |
| better | mejor | mieux | besser | 更好 (gèng hǎo) | よりよく (yori yoku) |
| worse | peor | pire | schlechter | 更糟 (gèng zāo) | もっと悪く (motto waruku) |
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Summary
Comparative adverbs show how one action differs from another in manner, time, place, or degree. Use more/less + adverb for comparisons, as ... as for equal comparisons, and make sure to use adverbs (not adjectives) when modifying verbs.
Last updated: Sun Sep 14, 2025