English Grammar, Third edition (2011)

Reference Section

Forming comparative and superlative adverbs

R150 Information on how to use comparatives and superlatives of adverbs, and which adverbs have them, is given in Chapter 6 (6.30 to 6.35).

R151 The comparative of an adverb usually consists of the normal form of the adverb preceded by more.

R152 The superlative of an adverb usually consists of the normal form of the adverb preceded by most.

R153 A few very common adverbs have comparatives and superlatives that are single words and not formed using more and most.

Well has the comparative better and the superlative best.

She would ask him later, when she knew him better.

I have to find out what I can do best.

Badly has the comparative worse and the superlative worst.

She was treated far worse than any animal.

The manufacturing industries were hit worst.

Adverbs that have the same form as adjectives have the same comparatives and superlatives as the adjectives. For example, the comparative and superlative of the adverb fast are faster and fastest, and the comparative and superlative of the adverb hard are harder and hardest.

Prices have been rising faster than incomes.

You probably learn quicker by having lessons.

The older people work the hardest.

The ones with the shortest legs run the slowest.

R154 Here is a list of time adverbials and adverbs of place that have comparative and superlative forms. See Chapter 4 (4.70, 4.114, and 4.123) and Chapter 6 (6.60). Note that a few have irregular comparatives and superlatives.