Adverbs have degrees of comparison, just as adjectives do. We can use adverbs to compare actions.

When we use an adverb to describe just one action, we call this the regular form. For example: Mary writes carefully.

When we use an adverb to compare two actions, we call this the comparative form. For example: Mary writes more carefully than Thandeka.

When we use an adverb to compare more than two actions, we call this the superlative form. For example: Zolile writes most carefully of all.

Note: The comparative form is often followed by “than”. The superlative form is often followed by “of”.

For adverbs with only one syllable, add –er in the comparative form and –est in the superlative form. For example: fast – faster – fastest, hard – harder – hardest.

For adverbs with two or more syllables, add “more” (comparative form) and “most” (superlative form). For example: bravely – more bravely – most bravely; carelessly – more carelessly – most carelessly.

There are also irregular adverbs, which do not follow a particular spelling rule. For example: