Adverbs have three forms: positive, comparative, and superlative.
Positive
The positive form describes an action without making any comparisons.
This copier operates efficiently.
Comparative
The comparative form (-er, more, or less) compares the actions of two persons, places, things, or ideas.
This copier operates more efficiently than the one downstairs.
Superlative
The superlative form (-est, most, or least) compares the actions of three or more persons, places, things, or ideas.
This copier operates most efficiently of all the copiers in the building.
Special Adverb Form: Conjunctive Adverbs
A conjunctive adverb can both modify and connect words, phrases, and clauses. It can be used at the beginning, in the middle, or at the end of a sentence.
Consequently, we believe the profit/earnings ratio will not meet our expectations. We do wish, however, to evaluate your stock again in six months. We will buy another stock instead.
(From Write for Business, page 251, and Proofreader's Guide PDF, page 63)
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