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The comparative is formed by adding er to the positive, if it end with a consonant; or the letter r, if it end with a vowel; as, soft, softer; safe, safer.

The superlative is formed by adding est, or st, as, soft, softest; safe, safest[36].

Some adjectives are compared irregularly, as,

Pos. Comp. Super. Good Better Best Bad or Evil Worse Worst Little Less Least Much More Most Many More Most Near Nearer Nearest or next Late Later Latest or last.

The comparative degree is frequently expressed by the word more, and the superlative by most, as,

Pos. Comp. Super. Hard More hard Most hard.

Monosyllabic adjectives are generally compared by annexing r or er, st or est; adjectives of two or more syllables by more and most, as, strong, stronger, strongest; certain, more certain, most certain.

Dissyllabic adjectives in y form an exception to this rule, as happy, happier, happiest.

Adjectives of two syllables ending in le, after a mute, are also excepted, as, able, abler, ablest.

Euphony seems here to be generally consulted, and the ear may be allowed perhaps to furnish the best rule.