Adjectives and adverbs in their comparative and superlative degrees can be modified by certain words and phrases that intensify their degree. Common modifiers used with comparative and superlative adjectives are: much, far, very much, a lot, lots, any, no, rather, little, a bit and even.

Note that the modifier very cannot be used with comparatives.

• She is much older than her husband. (NOT She is very older than her husband.)
• She is far more dependable than her brother.
• I’m a whole lot happier now.
• She is no better than him.
• I would buy that watch if it was a little less expensive.
• She looks no older than her daughter.
• Her performance was even worse than her co-star’s.
• She would have finished that job rather more quickly.
• She is a lot less careful than her sister.
• Their attitude was a little less enthusiastic.

Note that when more modifies a plural noun, it is modified by many instead of much.

• If you have a degree, you will find many more opportunities.
• She makes much more money than her husband.

To modify superlatives, we can use words and expressions like much, by far, quite, almost, practically, nearly, easily etc.

• She is much the most intelligent of them all.
• She’s by far the most talented.
• She’s quite the most amazing person I’ve ever met.
• This is easily the worst film I’ve seen in a long time.