Comparing with Adverbs
Learn how adverbs compare actions: fast, faster, fastest and quietly, more quietly. A grammar lesson for ages 7-9 with matching and flashcard games.
Key takeaways
- Adverbs tell how an action is done
- Short adverbs add -er and -est, like faster and fastest
- Adverbs ending in -ly use more and most, like more quietly
Words that tell how we do things
An adverb tells you how an action is done. She runs quickly 🏃. He sings loudly 🎤. And just like adjectives, adverbs can compare!
Short adverbs: add -er and -est
Some adverbs are short, like fast and hard. They add -er and -est.
- fast → faster → fastest 🏎️
- hard → harder → hardest 💪
- high → higher → highest 🦅
I run fast. You run faster. The cheetah runs fastest! 🐆
-ly adverbs: use more and most
Most adverbs end in -ly, like quietly and carefully. These are long, so they use more and most.
- quietly → more quietly → most quietly 🤫
- carefully → more carefully → most carefully 🧐
- slowly → more slowly → most slowly 🐢
The mouse crept more quietly than the cat. 🐭
Special adverbs
A few adverbs change in their own special way. You just have to remember them!
- well → better → best ⭐
- badly → worse → worst 👎
A handy table
| Adverb | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|---|---|
| fast 🏎️ | faster | fastest |
| quietly 🤫 | more quietly | most quietly |
| well ⭐ | better | best |
Try it
Finish the sentence:
- A plane flies ___ than a bird. (higher) ✈️
- She paints ___ than her brother. (more carefully) 🎨
- He plays the ___ on the team. (best) ⚽
Well done!
Now you can compare actions, not just things! Watch for adverbs and you can say exactly how something is done.
Next, try Adverbs: How We Do Things and Comparative and Superlative Adjectives.
Quick quiz
Test yourself and earn XP
Which adverb compares TWO actions?
Faster compares two actions. He runs faster than me 🏎️.
She tiptoed the ___ of everyone.
Most quietly is the superlative for an -ly adverb 🤫.
What is the comparative of 'well'?
Well is special: well → better → best ⭐.
Play & learn
Match the adverb to its superlative +10 XP
Completed ✓ +10 XP
Three steps of comparing actions +5 XP
Completed ✓ +5 XP
FAQ
An adverb tells how, when or where an action happens, like quickly, soon or here.
Short adverbs add -er and -est (faster, fastest). Adverbs ending in -ly use more and most (more quietly, most quietly).
Keep exploring
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