6.89 adverbs of position: comparatives and superlatives

Some adverbs have comparative and superlative forms. The superlative form is not used to indicate position, but to specify which of several things you are talking about.

'Deeper', 'farther' (or 'further'), 'higher', and 'lower' are usually followed by another adjunct of position.

• Further along the beach, a thin trickle of smoke was climbing into the sky.
• The beans are a bit higher on the stalk this year.
• Higher up, on the backrest, there was an oval stain.

'Nearer' can be used as an adverb as well as a preposition (see paragraph 6.68 above). 'Closer' can only be used as an adverb.

• The hills were nearer now.
• Thousands of tourists stood watching or milled around trying to get closer.