EC-6 Comparative Adverbs

There are three degrees of comparison in adverbs – the Positive, the Comparative, and the Superlative. The adverbs form their comparatives and superlatives using –er and –est , and more and most. Adverbs that end in –ly use the words more and most to form their comparatives and superlatives.

The one-syllable adverbs use --er in the comparative form, and --est in the superlative form.

The comparative form is used to compare two things.

Examples:

• We must not reach there later than 7 o’clock.
• You speak more loudly than a loudspeaker.
• Sirius shines more brightly than all the other stars.

The superlative form is used to compare three or more things.

Examples:

• He arrived the earliest, so he had to wait for the others.
• Why do you have to speak the most loudly of all at the meeting?
• Of all the girls, your sister sang the most sweetly.

It is not correct to use –er and more together, or –est and most together.

Examples:

• Incorrect: The tree is more taller than the giraffe.
• Correct:The tree is taller than the giraffe.
• Incorrect: This turkey is the most oldest in the farm.
• Correct: This turkey is the oldest in the farm.

Examples:

• Of the two teddy bears, which do you like better?
• This has to be the farthest I have ever walked in my life.