An undertaught aspect of English and translation: In search of the rules governing superlative adverbs

The present paper discusses a certain aspect of English grammar which tends to be neglected by some teachers of English as a foreign language, and which is likewise ignored by the majority of grammar books. The comparison of adjectives is usually discussed at length, both in terms of form (inflected vs. periphrastic forms) and in terms of meaning and use (various correlative constructions and clauses of comparison). The comparison of adverbs, on the other hand, is usually mentioned only in passing, as if it were not too important. Unfortunately, the grammar books used by students are not very helpful in this respect, either: they explain the comparison of adjectives thoroughly and comprehensively, but the comparison of adverbs is rather glossed over as a minor part of the same general phenomenon. As a result, students have some problems when they are asked to translate structures involving Polish adverbs in the superlative degree into English. This paper presents the author’s search for the rules which govern the comparison of adverbs, and especially the use of the definite article the before superlative adverbs.