Adverbs: Part II
We already know that adverbs specify another part of the sentence and can refer to the place, the time, the reason, or the manner. Let's learn more about them: their position in the sentence and their comparative and superlative forms.
Native
Translation
Je vais aussi vite que toi.
I'm going as fast as you.
Comparison of the Adverbs
Rule 1: Adverbs can be put in comparative and superlative forms just like adjectives:
- Comparative:
- aussi vite que (as fast as)
- plus vite que (faster than)
- moins vite que (slower than)
Native
Translation
Il conduit plus vite que nous.
He's driving faster than us.
- Superlative:
- le plus vite (the fastest)
- le moins vite (the slowest)
Native
Translation
Je conduis le plus lentement possible.
I drive as slowly as possible. [the slowest possible]
Irregular Adverbs
Rule 2: There are adverbs that have irregular comparative and superlative forms:
| Positive | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|---|---|
| bien (good) | mieux (better) | le mieux (the best) |
| beaucoup (a lot) | plus (more) | le plus (the most) |
| peu (little) | moins (less) | le moins (the least) |
Native
Translation
Je t'aime le plus.
I love you the most.
Position of the Adverbs with Composed Times
Rule 3: Long adverbs indicating the manner are placed after the past participle.
Native
Translation
Nous avons travaillé sérieusement pour réussir cet examen.
We have worked hard to pass this exam.
Rule 4: Adverbs that refer to an infinitive come after the infinitive.
Native
Translation
Il faut parler lentement.
You have to speak slowly.
Rule 5: In the other cases the adverb is placed between the auxiliary and the past participle.
Native
Translation
Il a peu dormi.
He slept little.
This works for:
- Adverbs that indicate intensity or frequency.
Native
Translation
Nous avons trop mangé.
We ate too much.
Je n'ai pas souvent pris le train.
I didn't take the train often.
- Short adverbs that we often use (bien, mal, vite).
Native
Translation
Je n'ai pas bien compris.
I didn't quite understand.
- Adverbs indicating doubt or probability (certainement, peut-être, probablement, sans doute).
Native
Translation
Ils ont peut-être eu un problème.
They may have/[perhaps] had a problem.
Quiz
1/4
Translate: I'm shooting as high as you.
0
correct answers.