Comparative Vs Superlative Adverbs [A Complete Guide]

Comparative and superlative adverbs play a major role in expressing degrees of comparison in English. If adverbs change verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, then the comparative and superlative forms compare the actions or qualities. They help define the level or intensity of the adverb. Using these degrees effectively will help to enhance communication skills and the ability to convey ideas more clearly. They are even used to create vivid and effective descriptions. These degrees are almost the same as that of adjectives’ degree of comparison. In this blog, you will get to learn about comparison, meaning, superlative degrees and their differences, and we have exercises for your practice.

Must Read: Adverbs – Definition, Types, Use, Examples & Exercises

Adverbs – Three Degrees of Comparison 

There are three degrees of comparison in English Grammar. These degrees of comparison are responsible for comparing the actions or the qualities in the sentence.

• Positive Degree: This degree of comparison is used when there is no comparison made between the actions or the qualities. They take the base form only. For example: He walked slowly.
• Comparative Degree: This degree of comparison is used where there is a comparison made between two actions or qualities. They are formed by adding er to the base form or by adding more to the irregular forms of adverbs.  For Example: A car runs faster than a bicycle.
• Superlative Degree: This degree of comparison is used when a comparison is made with more than two actions or qualities. They are formed by adding est to the base form or by adding most to the irregular forms of adverbs. For example: My car runs fastest in the lot.

Also Read: Deciphering the Difference: Adjective vs. Adverb in English Grammar

Difference Between Comparative and Superlative Adverbs

Once the rules of both Comparative and Superlative adverbs are crystal clear only then you can implement their usage with precision. Let us check the following differentiation in terms of rules to master the concept.

Comparative Adverbs	Superlative Adverbs
Used to make comparisons between two actions or qualities.	Used to make comparisons between more than two actions or qualities.
Use of than to make a comparison	Use of the to make a comparison
Use of er with the base form	Use of est with the base form
Use of more with the irregular adverbs	Use of most irregular adverbs.
For example: She runs faster than her sister.	For example: She runs the fastest in the class.

Also Read: Conjunctive Adverbs Meaning, Examples & Exercises

List of Comparative and Superlative Adverbs 

Let us understand the list of comparative and superlative adverbs for a better understanding of the difference between them.

Comparative Adverbs	Superlative Adverbs
Sooner	Soonest
Fast	Faster
Later	Latest
More Quickly	Most Quickly
More Easily	Most Easily
More Swiftly	Most Swiftly
More Hardly	Most Hardly
More Lovely	More Lovely
More Beautifully	Most Beautifully
More Happily	Most Happily

Also Read: Adverbs: Definition, Types, Use, Examples & Exercises

Practice Adverb Exercise

Fill in the blanks with the correct degree of adverb.

1. The athlete ran __________ (fast) than the others in the race.
2. She sang the song __________ (beautifully) of all the contestants.
3. Complete the task __________ (quickly) if you want to win the prize.
4. The river flowed __________ (calmly) after the storm had passed.
5. Jake solved the puzzle __________ (easily) than anyone else in the group.
6. The teacher explained the concept __________ (clearly) to help the students understand.
7. The car moved __________ (slowly) in heavy traffic.
8. Jane spoke __________ (softly) than her brother during the presentation.
9. The team worked __________ (efficiently) to finish the project before the deadline.
10. The magician performed the trick __________ (skillfully) than I expected.
11. The storm arrived __________ (suddenly) than meteorologists predicted.
12. The computer processed the data __________ (quickly) than the older model.
13. The sunset __________ (beautifully) over the horizon.
14. She danced __________ (gracefully) at the ballet recital.
15. Complete the assignment __________ (carefully) to avoid mistakes.

Check Your Answers

Match your answers with the solved exercise.

1. The athlete ran faster than the others in the race.
2. She sang the song more beautifully than all the contestants.
3. Complete the task more quickly if you want to win the prize.
4. The river flowed more calmly after the storm had passed.
5. Jake solved the puzzle more easily than anyone else in the group.
6. The teacher explained the concept more clearly to help the students understand.
7. The car moved more slowly in heavy traffic.
8. Jane spoke more softly than her brother during the presentation.
9. The team worked more efficiently to finish the project before the deadline.
10. The magician performed the trick more skillfully than I expected.
11. The storm arrived more suddenly than meteorologists predicted.
12. The computer processed the data more quickly than the older model.
13. The sunset appears more beautifully over the horizon.
14. She danced more gracefully at the ballet recital.
15. Complete the assignment more carefully to avoid mistakes.

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