This modifier illustrates the rule that adjectives of two syllables vary. If the word ends in -y, change the y to i and add -er, -est endings. Otherwise, some two-syllable adjectives take -er, -est endings. Others take more, most and less, least.
smaller
sillier
most safely
more beautiful
Right.
The examples you have provided demonstrate the rule for forming comparative and superlative forms of two-syllable adjectives.
1. "Smaller" is formed by adding the suffix "-er" to the adjective "small." This rule applies because the word does not end in "-y."
2. "Sillier" is formed by changing the "-y" at the end of the adjective "silly" to "-i" and then adding the suffix "-er." This rule applies because the word ends in "-y."
3. "Most safely" is formed by adding the suffix "-est" to the adjective "safe." This rule applies because the word does not end in "-y."
4. "More beautiful" is formed by adding the word "more" before the adjective "beautiful." This rule applies because there is no specific suffix for forming the comparative form of the adjective "beautiful."
It is important to note that not all two-syllable adjectives follow the same rule. Some may take the suffixes "-er" and "-est," while others may require the use of "more" and "most" or "less" and "least" to form the comparative and superlative forms. The specific rule for each adjective can usually be determined by noting how it is commonly used in comparative and superlative contexts.