+292.+ You will recall that we found that adjectives change in form to
show different degrees of quality. A few adverbs are compared the same
as adjectives. Some form the comparative and superlative degree in the
regular way, just as adjectives, by adding _er_ and _est_; for example:
_Positive_ _Comparative_ _Superlative_
soon sooner soonest
late later latest
often oftener oftenest
early earlier earliest
fast faster fastest
+293.+ Most adverbs form their comparative and superlative by the use of
_more_ and _most_ or _less_ and _least_, just as adjectives do; for
example:
_Positive_ _Comparative_ _Superlative_
clearly more clearly most clearly
nobly more nobly most nobly
ably more ably most ably
truly more truly most truly
Or, in the descending comparison:
clearly less clearly least clearly
nobly less nobly least nobly
ably less ably least ably
truly less truly least truly
+294.+ The following adverbs are compared irregularly. It would be well
to memorize this list:
_Positive_ _Comparative_ _Superlative_
ill worse worst
well better best
badly worse worst
far further (farther) furthest (farthest)
little less least
much more most
Some adverbs are incapable of comparison, as _here_, _there_, _now_,
_today_, _hence_, _therefore_, etc.