hole
clause, _when_..._eyes_; and _when_ has simply the use of a
conjunction, not an adverb. For further discussion, see Sec. 299 under
"Subordinate Conjunctions."

Exercise.--Bring up sentences containing twenty adverbs,
representing four classes.

COMPARISON OF ADVERBS.

288. Many adverbs are compared, and, when compared, have the same
inflection as adjectives.

The following, irregularly compared, are often used as adjectives:--

_Positive._ _Comparative._ _Superlative._

well better best
ill or badly worse worst
much more most
little less least
nigh or near nearer nearest or next
far farther, further farthest, furthest
late later latest, last
(rathe, _obs._) rather

289. Most monosyllabic adverbs add _-er_ and _-est_ to form the
comparative and superlative, just as adjectives do; as, _high_,
_higher_, _highest_; _soon_, _sooner_, _soonest_.

Adverbs in _-ly_ usually have _more_ and _most_ instead of the
inflected form, only occasionally having _-er_ and _-est_.

Its strings _boldlier_ swept.--COLERIDGE.

None can deem _harshlier_ of me than I deem.--BYRON.

Only that we may _wiselier_ see.--EMERSON.

Then must she keep it _safelier_.--TENNYSON.

I should _freelier_ rejoice in that absence.--SHAKESPEARE.

[Sidenote: _Form_ vs. _use._]

290. The fact that a word ends in _-ly_ does not make it an adverb.
Many adjectives have the same ending, and must be distinguished by
their use in the sentence.

Exercise.

Tell what each word in _ly_ modifies, then whether it is an adjective
or an adverb.

1. It seems certain that the Normans were more cleanly in their
habits, more courtly in their manners.

2. It is true he was rarely heard to speak.

3. He would inhale the smoke slowly and tranquilly.

4. The perfectly heavenly law might be made law on earth.

5. The king winced when he saw his homely little bride.

6. With his proud, quick-flashing eye,
And his mien of kingly state.

7. And all about, a lovely sky of blue
Clearly was felt, or down the leaves laughed through.

8. He is inexpressibly mean, curiously jolly, kindly and good-natured
in secret.

291. Again, many words without _