Focus 15 comparative and superlative adverbs

Could you speak more quietly, please?

The patient is recovering more slowly than other.

I see Peter more often than David.

This machine works most efficiently when room temperature is constant.

I play squash less often than I used to.

Usually, comparative adverbs are formed with more … than or less … than, and superlative adverbs with (the) most and (the) least.

a) He arrived later than he promised.

Who ran quickest?

A few adverbs can take –or in the comparative and –est in the superlative just like adjectives do. They are one- syllable adverbs, and include late, hard, long, fast, slow, loud, and quick.

b) Alan treated the boy worse than anyone else.

The film turned out better than I hoped.

There are some exceptions and irregular forms of adverbs in the comparative and superlative.

Well – better – best,

Much – more – most,

Far – further – furthest,

farther – farthest,

Badly – worse – worst,

Little – less – least.

c) He walked as quickly as he could.

I didn’t play as well as other members of the team.

As + adverb + as can also be used to show the manner in which something is done, or how it is done.

EXERCISES

Ex.1 Fill in the comparative form of the adverb in brackets.

1.Dana speaks French … I do.(well).2. Paul drives … Luke does.(carefully).3. We see our friends … I would like (frequently).4. The water project took … the government anticipated.(long).5. Wooden houses can be built … stone houses.(quick)

Ex.2 Fill in the Superlative form of the adverb in brackets.

1. Joanna works … when she is part of a team (well).2. The student who argued his case … of all was eventually elected president of the student’s union (convincingly).3. The consequences of drug abuse can be presented … by bringing a former addict into the classroom to talk to pupils (dramatically).4. Road accidents occur … within five miles of your own home, according to government statistics(frequently).5. The people who reacted … to the new income tax were, in fact, the wealthiest (violently).

Ex.3 Rewrite the following sentences using an adverb.

Paul plays tennis better than Luke. Luke …

1.The fashion show was not a success because of poor organization. The fashion show failed because

it ….

2.I go to the club several times a week. John only goes once a week. John ….

3.I can run faster than you. You ….

4.She could read his letter, but with great difficulty. She ….

ADVERBS