Adjectives and adverbs have three forms: positive (quick, quickly), comparative (quicker, more quickly), and superlative (quickest, most quickly). Many of the comparatives and superlatives are formed by adding -er and -est to the adjective stem, though some words (good, better, best; well, better, best) change altogether, and some add more or most (eager, more eager, most eager; quickly, more quickly, most quickly).

When you feel certain that only two are compared, use a comparative not a superlative. When the comparison involves more than two, use a superlative.

Of the two finalists, Smith hits harder.

Of the eight boxers, Jones hits hardest.