00 / Adjectives & Adverbs
Superlative adjectives
Superlative adjectives compare three or more things to identify the one with the highest degree of a quality. They are typically preceded by the definite article 'the'.
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01 / Overview
Superlatives describe an object that is at the upper or lower limit of a quality. Use them when comparing one person or thing against a whole group of three or more. For example, in a group of three friends, only one can be the tallest.
02 / Form
the + adjective + -est OR the + most + adjective
The form depends on the length of the adjective:
- Short adjectives (1 syllable): Add -est. If it ends in consonant-vowel-consonant, double the final letter (big → biggest).
- Adjectives ending in -y: Change -y to -i and add -est.
- Long adjectives (2+ syllables): Use the most before the adjective.
03 / Spelling and Irregular Rules
| Adjective Type | Adjective | Superlative |
|---|---|---|
| Short | old | the oldest |
| Short (CVC) | hot | the hottest |
| Ending in -y | happy | the happiest |
| Long | expensive | the most expensive |
| Irregular | good | the best |
| Irregular | bad | the worst |
04 / Examples
05 / Common mistakes
He is most tall man here.
He is the tallest man here.
Always use 'the' before a superlative, and use '-est' for short adjectives instead of 'most'.
This car is the most fast.
This car is the fastest.
Do not use 'most' with one-syllable adjectives.
06 / Practice
What is the superlative form of 'small'?
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Answer: the smallest
Why: 'Small' is a one-syllable adjective, so we add the suffix '-est' and the definite article 'the'.
Complete the sentence: This is ______ (difficult) exam of the year.
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Answer: the most difficult
Why: 'Difficult' has three syllables, so we use 'the most' before the adjective.
Correct the error: Yesterday was the baddest day of my life.
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Answer: the worst
Why: 'Bad' is an irregular adjective; its superlative form is 'the worst', not 'baddest'.