Superlatives helps you communicate about extreme comparison among three or more. Start with the meaning, notice the pattern, and then use it in complete sentences.
By the end of this lesson, you can
- I can identify the highest or lowest degree within a group.
- Recognise and build the form: the + adjective-est; the most/least + adjective; irregular forms.
- Use the pattern accurately in a meaningful sentence.
Meaning and use
Use Superlatives for extreme comparison among three or more. Always read the whole situation before choosing the form: grammar expresses a meaning, not only a pattern.
This is the tallest building in the city.
Use the superlative '-est' for the highest degree in a group.
It was the most exciting film I had ever seen.
Use 'the most' with a longer adjective.
Mia is the best runner on the team.
'Best' is the irregular superlative form of 'good'.
the + adjective-est; the most/least + adjective; irregular formsKeep this pattern visible while you study the examples. Then cover it and rebuild one example from memory.
Key rules to notice
These rules explain why the form is correct. Focus on the subject, auxiliary, verb form, word order and time or meaning clues.
- Use the superlative '-est' for the highest degree in a group.
- Use 'the most' with a longer adjective.
- 'Best' is the irregular superlative form of 'good'.
- Use 'the shortest' to compare all twelve months.
- Use 'the least + adjective' for the lowest degree.
Common mistakes
Not:This is the taller building in the city.
Use:This is the tallest building in the city.
Use the superlative '-est' for the highest degree in a group.
Not:It was the more exciting film I had ever seen.
Use:It was the most exciting film I had ever seen.
Use 'the most' with a longer adjective.
Not:Mia is the better runner on the team.
Use:Mia is the best runner on the team.
'Best' is the irregular superlative form of 'good'.
Check before you practise
Complete each sentence mentally, then reveal the answer.
February is the ____ month of the year.
shortest
Use 'the shortest' to compare all twelve months.
That was the ____ expensive option available.
least
Use 'the least + adjective' for the lowest degree.
Who is the ____ person in your family?
oldest
Use a superlative when comparing everyone in the family.