Grammar: Adverbs - Comparative and Superlative

Section 1: Basics of Comparative Adverbs

 Comparative adverbs are used to compare two or more things, actions, or

traits.
 The general structure involves using plus (more), aussi (as) or moins (less),
followed by the adverb, and concluded with que (than).
 As a rule, plus is followed by a positive form of the adverb, aussi is mostly
equal to ‘as … as’, and moins followed by a positive form of adverb equates
to ‘less … than’.

Section 2: Formation of Comparative Adverbs

 Most adverbs in French form the comparative by preceding the adverb

with plus, aussi, or moins.
 For instance, rapidement (quickly) becomes plus rapidement (more
quickly), aussi rapidement (as quickly), or moins rapidement (less quickly).
 Irregular adverbs should be memorised, such as bien (well) which
becomes mieux (better) in the comparative form.

Section 3: Basics of Superlative Adverbs

 Superlative adverbs express the highest degree of something in comparison

to a group.
 In French, the superlative is formed by putting le, la, les (the)
before plus or moins, and then the adverb.
 For example, to say ‘the fastest’, you would say le plus rapidement.

Section 4: Formation of Superlative Adverbs

 As in the comparative, most adverbs form the superlative using le plus or le

moins before the adverb.
 There are a few exceptions, such as le mieux and le pire meaning ‘the best’
and ‘the worst’ respectively.
 Remember that superlative adverbs must agree with the subject in gender
and number.

Section 5: Placement of Comparative and Superlative Adverbs

 In general, comparative and superlative adverbs are placed after the verb
they are modifying.
 However, there are exceptions like with adverbs of quantity which can
sometimes be placed before the verb. It’s best to familiarise yourself with
common examples.