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Comparative adverbs are a fundamental part of English grammar and frequently appear in international English exams, especially IELTS. Mastering comparative adverbs will help you communicate more confidently and make your speaking and writing more dynamic and effective.

Let’s dive into the concept, structure, and usage of comparative adverbs in the sections below.

1. What Are Comparative Adverbs?

Comparative adverbs are used to compare the degree or intensity of two different actions or states. Unlike comparative adjectives, which compare nouns, comparative adverbs are used to compare how, when, where, or to what extent actions are performed.

Note: Comparative adverbs are only used when comparing two actions. If you are comparing more than two, the superlative form should be used instead.

Examples:

  • This car drives smoother than the old one.

  • She sings more beautifully than her sister.

2. Structure of Comparative Adverbs

With Short Adverbs

For short adverbs (usually one syllable), add -er to the end of the word.

Formula: S + (not) V + adverb + er + than + noun/pronoun/clause

Examples:

  • fast → faster

  • hard → harder

  • late → later

Notes:

  • If the adverb ends in -e, just add -r (e.g., nice → nicer).

  • If the adverb ends in -y, change -y to -i before adding -er (e.g., early → earlier).

With Long Adverbs

For longer adverbs (usually two syllables or more), use more or less before the adverb.

Formula: S + (not) V + more/less + adverb + than + noun/pronoun/clause

Examples:

  • slowly → more slowly

  • carefully → more carefully

  • beautifully → more beautifully

  • happily → more happily

With Irregular Adverbs

Some adverbs have irregular comparative forms and must be memorized.

Adverb

Comparative Form

far

farther / further

little

less

badly

worse

well

better

much

more

3. Special Forms of Comparative Adverbs

Double Comparative Adverbs

Double comparatives describe processes or actions that change over time.

Formula 1: S + V + comparative adverb + and + comparative adverb

Example: The plane flew farther and farther until I could not see it.

Formula 2: S + V + more and more + adverb

Example: She runs more and more quickly when it's about to rain.

Correlative Comparisons

Used to show that one situation depends on another.

Formula: The + comparative + S + V, the + comparative + S + V

Examples:

  • The earlier you start, the sooner you will finish.

  • The more you practice, the better you will become.

Multiplicative Comparisons

Used to express a difference in quantity or degree by a specific number of times.

Formula 1: S + V + number + as + adverb + as

Example: She runs twice as fast as me.

Formula 2: S + V + number + more + adverb + than

Example: She runs three times more quickly than him.

Comparisons Without "Than"

Formula: S + V + (not) as + adverb + as

Example: They do not speak English as quickly as native speakers.

Formula: S + auxiliary verb + not + V + adverb + enough + to + V

Example: They are not practicing regularly enough to improve their skills.

Formula: S + V + too + adverb + to + V

Example: He runs too slowly to catch the bus.

No Second Noun Required

Sometimes the second subject is implied or omitted.

Example: You should wake up earlier next time.

In other cases, use "any" to indicate a limit:

Formula: S + V + any + comparative adverb

Example: I cannot swim any further.

4. Comparative Adverb Exercises

Exercise 1: Complete the sentences using the correct comparative adverb form

1. I speak English (fluent) ___________ now than last year.

2. She greeted me (polite) ___________ of all.

3. She smiled (happy) ___________ than before.

4. This girl dances (graceful) ___________ of all.

5. Could you write (clear) ___________ ?

6. Planes can fly (high) ___________ than birds.

7. He had an accident last year. Now, he drives (careful) ___________ than before.

8. Jim can run (fast) ___________ than John.

9. Our team played (bad) ___________ of all.

10. He worked (hard) ___________ than ever before.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

1. The teacher asked me to speak___________.

A. loudly

B. louder

C. more loudly

2 . Today you looks________than usual.

A. more confident

B. more confidently

C. confidently

3. Your house is_______decorated than me.

A. more beautiful

B. more beautifully

C. beautifully.

4. No one in my class runs__________than Peter.

A. more fastly

B. more better

C. faster.

5. This time you did much________!

A. better

B. more better

C. more well

6. You have to work_________If you want to succeed.

A. more hardly

B. hardlier

C. harder

7. Today I come to class_________than usual.

A. more early

B. earlier

C. early

8. You need to work___________, or you will make a lot of mistakes.

A. more careful

B. more carefully

C. carefully

She walks__________than other people.

A. slower

B. more slowly

C. more slowier

10. The blue skirt suits you_______than the black one.

A. better

B. more better

C. more well

Answers:

1. more fluently

2. most politely

3. more happily

4. most gracefully

5. more clearly

6. higher

7. more carefully

8. faster

9. worst

10. harder

Exercise 2

1. C

2. B

3. B

4. C

5. A

6. C

7. B

8. B

9. B

10. A

Master Comparative Adverbs with IDP

We hope this guide has helped you understand comparative adverbs and how to apply them effectively in English. Whether for IELTS or daily communication, using adverbs accurately will significantly improve your language skills.

To practice regularly, you can access free IELTS computer-based practice tests and study materials offered by IDP.

If you're preparing for IELTS and looking for a reliable test provider, IDP is a trusted organization offering computer-based IELTS exams with flexible schedules and multiple test locations.

Register for your IELTS test with IDP today.

About this Article

Published on 05 February, 2024

About this Author

One Skill Retake - IELTS Australia
Quynh Khanh

Tôi là Quỳnh Khanh - Content Writer có hơn 5 năm kinh nghiệm về lĩnh vực giáo dục