Comparative adverb
Definition
A comparative adverb compares the manner, speed, frequency or degree of two actions or situations. Short adverbs may take -er, while many longer adverbs use more or less. Some forms are irregular, such as well → better and badly → worse.
Examples
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Mia works faster than I do.
Faster compares the speed of two people's work.
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The second speaker explained the idea more clearly.
More clearly compares the manner of explaining.
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This engine runs better than the old one.
Better is the irregular comparative form of well.
Comparative adjective vs. comparative adverb
Lena is a faster runner than Sam.
Faster describes the noun runner.
Lena runs faster than Sam.
Faster modifies the verb runs.
A comparative adjective describes a noun. A comparative adverb compares the way an action happens.
The second point of comparison may be understood
A than phrase is not always required when the comparison is clear from context. Degree words such as much, far, a little and slightly can modify a comparative adverb.
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Could you speak more slowly?
The comparison with the previous speaking speed is understood.
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The new system responds much more quickly.
Much strengthens the comparison.
Common mistakes
She drives more faster than I do.
She drives faster than I do.
Do not combine more with the -er comparative form.
He performed more well in the second round.
He performed better in the second round.
The comparative form of the adverb well is better.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence compares how two people work?
More efficiently modifies works, so it is a comparative adverb.Which comparative form is correct?
The comparative form of slowly is more slowly.Which sentence uses the irregular form correctly?
The comparative adverb corresponding to well is better.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
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