Adverbs show how, when, where, or to what degree something happens. Comparative adverbs let you compare one action or quality to another.
Key Comparative Adverbs
Adverbs that end in -ment form comparatives by inserting plus or moins before them. Use plus to say "more," moins to say "less," and aussi to say "as."
| French Structure | English Meaning | |
|---|---|---|
| plus adverbe | more adverb | |
| moins adverbe | less adverb | |
| aussi adverbe | as adverb |
She runs quickly.
| French | English | |
|---|---|---|
| 🐢 plus lentement | more slowly | |
| ⚡ plus vite | faster | |
| 🎶 plus fort | louder | |
| 🤫 plus doucement | more softly | |
| ⬆️ plus | more | |
| ⬇️ moins | less | |
| 👍 mieux | better | |
| 👎 pire | worse |
Examples
Placement
Comparative adverbs usually come after the verb they modify. When modifying an entire clause, they can appear at the beginning or end for emphasis.
Exceptions
Some adverbs have irregular comparative forms, and a few adverbs change meaning depending on placement. Adverbs like bien and mal use mieux and pire for comparisons.
| French Positive | French Comparative | English Comparative | French Negative | French Comparative | English Comparative | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| bien | mieux | better | mal | pire | worse | |
| rapidement | plus rapidement | more quickly | lentement | moins lentement | less slowly |
Summary
Use plus, moins, or aussi before an adverb to make comparisons, place the adverb close to the verb it modifies, and watch out for irregular forms like mieux and pire. Practice with sentences that compare actions clearly.
Last updated: Fri Oct 24, 2025