What is the purpose of comparative adverbs?
A comparative adverb is a word that is used to compare the intensity or degree of one action, state, or quality to another. Comparative adverbs often end in “-er” or use the word “more” before the adverb. They are used when you want to show a difference in degree between two things, For example:
– He runs faster than she does.
– She sings more beautifully than her sister.
In these examples, “faster” and “more beautifully” are comparative adverbs that indicate a higher degree of the respective actions (running and singing) compared to the others mentioned. Let’s continue and explore how to identify comparative adverbs:
How to Identify Comparative Adverbs ?
Identifying comparative adverbs involves recognizing words that are used to compare the intensity or degree of an action, state, or quality between two things. Here are some tips to help you identify comparative adverbs:
Look for “-er” Endings: Many comparative adverbs end in “-er.” For example: faster, slower, louder.
Use of “More” or “Less”: If the adverb does not have an “-er” ending, it may be preceded by “more” or “less.” For example: more quickly, less frequently.
Comparison Between Two Things: Comparative adverbs often indicate a comparison between two elements. They highlight the difference in degree between one action or quality and another.
Comparative Forms: Some adverbs have irregular comparative forms that don’t follow the “-er” pattern. For example: well (positive), better (comparative), best (superlative).
Context of Comparison: Consider the context of the sentence. Comparative adverbs are often used in sentences that involve a comparison.
By paying attention to these characteristics, you can become more adept at identifying comparative adverbs in sentences.
Illustrative Examples for Identifying Comparative Adverbs
- She speaks more softly than her brother.
“More” is used before the adverb “softly” to indicate a higher degree. - He runs faster than she does.
The adverb “faster” ends in “-er” and indicates a comparison between the speed of his running and hers. - They performed well, but she performed better.
The adverb “better” is the comparative form of “well” in this context.
Exercise
Difficulty Level : Intermediate / Proficient / Advanced / Skilled
Explore: A comparative adverb is a word or phrase that is used to compare the degree or manner of two or more actions, events, or qualities.
Instructions : Locate and circle the comparative adverb in each sentence.
Example: She sings more beautifully than her sister.
Comparative Adverb: more beautifully
- The cheetah runs faster than any other land animal.
- He completed the puzzle more quickly than I expected.
- They played the music louder during the concert.
- The sun rises earlier in the summer months.
- She solved the math problem more easily than her classmates.
- Tom speaks English more fluently than his brother.
- My computer responds faster after the software update.
- Sarah smiled more brightly when she won the award.
Answers with Explanations
- The cheetah runs faster than any other land animal.
– The adverb “faster” is used to compare the speed of the cheetah to that of any other land animal. It indicates a greater degree of speed. - He completed the puzzle more quickly than I expected.
– The adverb “more quickly” is used to compare the speed of completing the puzzle to the speaker’s expectations. It indicates a faster manner of completion. - They played the music louder during the concert.
– The adverb ‘louder’ is used to compare the volume of music played during the concert to a previous volume played or the standard volume of playing. It indicates a greater degree of loudness. - The sun rises earlier in the summer months.
– The adverb ‘earlier’ is used to compare the time of sunrise in the summer months to its rising time in other seasons. - She solved the math problem more easily than her classmates.
– The adverb “more easily” is used to compare the ease with which she solved the math problem to that of her classmates. It indicates a greater degree of ease. - Tom speaks English more fluently than his brother.
– The adverb “more fluently” is used to compare Tom’s fluency in speaking English to that of his brother. - My computer responds faster after the software update.
– The adverb “faster” is used to compare the computer’s response time before and after the software update. It indicates a greater degree of speed in response. - Sarah smiled more brightly when she won the award.
– The adverb “more brightly” is used to compare the brightness of Sarah’s smile before and after winning the award. It indicates a greater degree of brightness in her smile.