French Comparatives - Comparing with Adverbs

When comparing with adverbs, use plus (adverb) que for superiority, moins (adverb) que for inferiority, and aussi (adverb) que for equality.

Adverb: prudemment (carefully)
   plus prudemment (more carefully)
   moins prudemment (less carefully)
   aussi prudemment (as carefully)


Note: The adverb bien has a special comparative form when expressing superiority.

Types of comparisons with adverbs

1. Compare two nouns with one adverb.

   Jean lit plus lentement que Luc.
   Jean reads more slowly than Luc.

   Jeanne écrit moins souvent que Luc.
   Jeanne writes less often than Luc.

2. Compare one noun with two adverbs.

   Jean travaille aussi vite que gentiment.
   Jean works as quickly as (he does) helpfully.

   Jeanne écrit plus soigneusement qu'efficacement.
   Jeanne writes more carefully than (she does) efficiently.

3. Compare an adverb over time.

   Jean mange plus poliment qu'avant.
   Jean eats more politely than before.

   Jeanne parle aussi fort que toujours.
   Jeanne speaks as loudly as ever.

Note: You can also make an implied comparison to any of the above by leaving out que.

   Jean lit plus lentement.
   Jean reads more slowly.

   Jeanne écrit moins souvent.
   Jeanne writes less often.


French comparatives and superlatives
Introduction to comparatives
Comparatives with adjectives
Comparatives with adverbs
Comparatives with nouns
Comparatives with verbs