Most adjectives and adverbs have three forms: the positive, the comparative, and the superlative.

Comparative versus superlative

Use the comparative to compare two things, the superlative to compare three or more.

Forming comparatives and superlatives

To form comparatives and superlatives of most one- and two-syllable adjectives, use the endings -er and -est: smooth, smoother, smoothest; easy, easier, easiest. With longer adjectives, use more and most (or less and least for downward comparisons): exciting, more exciting, most exciting; helpful, less helpful, least helpful.

Some one-syllable adverbs take the endings -er and -est ( fast, faster, fastest), but longer adverbs and all of those ending in -ly form the comparative and superlative with more and most (or less and least).

The comparative and superlative forms of some adjectives and adverbs are irregular: good, better, best; well, better, best; bad, worse, worst; badly, worse, worst.

Double comparatives or superlatives

Do not use double comparatives or superlatives. When you have added -er or -est to an adjective or adverb, do not also use more or most (or less or least).

Absolute concepts

Avoid expressions such as more straight, less perfect, very round, and most unique. Either something is unique or it isn’t. It is illogical to suggest that absolute concepts come in degrees.