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Unit 08
Superlatives
the biggest, the most, the best...
What are Superlatives?
We use superlative adjectives to describe the highest or lowest degree among three or more things. Always use the before the superlative form.
Forming Superlatives
| Adjective type | Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Short (1 syllable) | the + adjective + -est | tall → the tallest / fast → the fastest |
| Ends in -e | the + adjective + -st | nice → the nicest / large → the largest |
| Ends in consonant + -y | the + y → i + -est | happy → the happiest / easy → the easiest |
| Short: 1 vowel + consonant | double consonant + -est | big → the biggest / hot → the hottest |
| Long (2+ syllables) | the most + adjective | beautiful → the most beautiful |
| Irregular | unique forms | good → the best / bad → the worst / far → the farthest |
Irregular Superlatives
| Adjective | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|---|---|
| good | better | the best |
| bad | worse | the worst |
| far | farther / further | the farthest / furthest |
| little | less | the least |
| much / many | more | the most |
Common Structures
| Structure | Example |
|---|---|
| the + -est | Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world. |
| the most + adjective | This is the most popular restaurant in town. |
| one of the + superlative + plural noun | She is one of the best teachers I've ever had. |
| the + superlative + I've ever + past participle | It's the worst film I've ever seen. |
| the least + adjective | He is the least talkative person in the group. |
In or Of after a Superlative?
| Use | Example |
|---|---|
| in + a place or a group (singular noun) | the tallest building in the city · the best student in the class · the biggest company in Turkey |
| of + a plural or a time period | the best of all · the youngest of the three · the happiest day of my life · the hottest month of the year |
| the second / third + superlative | İzmir is the third biggest city in Turkey. |
Annotated Examples
Subject
Verb
Auxiliary
Object
Adjective
Adverb
Preposition
Hover over any word to see its role.
That wastheadjectivefunniestobjectfilmI've ever seen.
↳ Short adj: funny → the funniest.
subjectShe'stheadverbmostadjectivehardworkingobjectpersonadverbin the office.
↳ Long adj: the most + adjective.
This isone ofadjectivethe bestobjectrestaurantsadverbin the city.
↳ one of the + superlative + plural noun.
Comparatives vs Superlatives — Quick Guide
| Comparative | Superlative | |
|---|---|---|
| How many things? | Two | Three or more |
| Short adj | -er than | the -est |
| Long adj | more ... than | the most ... |
| Irregular | better / worse | the best / the worst |
| Example | My bag is heavier than yours. | It's the heaviest bag in the shop. |
Common Mistakes
She is the most tallest.
→
She is the tallest.
Never "most" + -est — only one form.
This is the goodest idea.
→
This is the best idea.
"Good" is irregular: the best.
He is most intelligent student.
→
He is the most intelligent student.
Always use "the" before superlatives.
She is the more experienced person in our company.
→
She is the most experienced person in our company.
For a group of three or more → the most. ("The more experienced" is only for two people.)
It's one of the best restaurant.
→
It's one of the best restaurants.
After "one of the + superlative" → plural noun.
It's the biggest city of Turkey.
→
It's the biggest city in Turkey.
Place or group after a superlative → in.
He's the best of the team.
→
He's the best player in the team.
Use "in" with a group noun like team, class, family.