Understanding The Superlative Form In English

Understanding The Superlative Form In English

The superlative form is used to compare three or more things, people, or situations. It helps express the highest degree of a quality. Learning how to use it correctly will improve both writing and speaking skills.

What Is The Superlative Form?

The superlative form of adjectives and adverbs is used to indicate that something has the highest or lowest degree of a quality among a group. It is usually formed by adding "-est" to short adjectives or using "most" before longer adjectives.

Rules For Forming Superlatives

1. Short Adjectives (One Syllable)

   • Add "-est" to the adjective.

   • Example:

     • Fast → Fastest

     • Small → Smallest

2. Adjectives Ending In "E"

   • Just add "-st".

   • Example:

     • Nice → Nicest

     • Large → Largest

3. Adjectives Ending In A Consonant + Vowel + Consonant

   • Double the last consonant before adding "-est".

   • Example:

     • Big → Biggest

     • Hot → Hottest

4. Long Adjectives (Two Or More Syllables)

   • Use "most" before the adjective.

   • Example:

     • Beautiful → Most beautiful

     • Expensive → Most expensive

5. Irregular Superlatives

   • Some adjectives have irregular forms.

   • Example:

     • Good → Best

     • Bad → Worst

     • Far → Farthest/Furthest

Examples Of The Superlative Form

• This book is the thickest in the library.

• My house is the largest in the neighborhood.

• She is the most intelligent student in the class.

• That was the worst exam of my life.

• He ran the fastest in the race.

Common Mistakes:

❌ Mistake 1: Using "Most" And "-Est" Together
Incorrect: This dress is the most longest in the store.
Correct: This dress is the longest in the store.
Explanation: Never use "most" and "-est" together. Use only one.

❌ Mistake 2: Forgetting To Double The Last Consonant
Incorrect: This road is the thinest in the city.
Correct: This road is the thinnest in the city.
Explanation: If an adjective ends in consonant + vowel + consonant, double the last consonant.

❌ Mistake 3: Using "Most" Instead Of "-Est"
Incorrect: That test was most difficultest.
Correct: That test was the most difficult.
Explanation: Use "most" with long adjectives (two or more syllables).

❌ Mistake 4: Forgetting "The" Before A Superlative
Incorrect: She is most talented singer.
Correct: She is the most talented singer.
Explanation: Always use "the" before a superlative adjective.

4 Exercises On The Superlative Form

✔ Exercise 1: Fill In The Blanks With The Correct Superlative Form

1. This mountain is __________ (high) in the world.

2. He is __________ (strong) player on the team.

3. That was __________ (funny) joke I’ve ever heard.

4. She is __________ (talented) artist in the school.

✔ Exercise 2: Choose The Correct Sentence

1. a) This is the most interesting book I have read.
   b) This is the more interesting book I have read.

2. a) That is the worst decision you could make.
   b) That is the baddest decision you could make.

3. a) This is the tallest building in the city.
   b) This is the most tallest building in the city.

4. a) He is the fastest runner on the team.
   b) He is the more fastest runner on the team.

✔ Exercise 3: Correct The Mistakes In These Sentences

1. This chair is the most softest in the room. → Correct it: __________

2. That was the badest day of my life. → Correct it: __________

3. He is most friendly person I know. → Correct it: __________

4. The elephant is the more biggest land animal. → Correct it: __________

✔ Exercise 4: Write Sentences Using The Superlative Form

1. Describe the tallest building in your city.

2. Write a sentence about the most delicious food you’ve ever eaten.

3. Compare three people using "the smartest."

4. Talk about the best trip you've ever had.