Learn how to compare three or more things using superlative adjectives. Discover words like the biggest, the most beautiful, and the best.
What is a Superlative?
We use superlative adjectives to talk about one thing in a group that is number one. For example, if you have three cars, and one is very, very big, it is the biggest car. We usually add 'the' before the adjective and '-est' to the end of short words like fast, small, or tall.
My house is the biggest on this street.My house is larger than all other houses here.
Today is the coldest day of the year.The temperature today is lower than any other day.
He is the tallest student in our class.No other student in the class is taller than him.
Long Adjectives
For long adjectives with two or more syllables, we do not add '-est'. Instead, we use 'the most' before the adjective. Words like expensive, beautiful, or dangerous need 'the most' to become superlatives. The adjective itself stays exactly the same.
This is the most beautiful painting in the museum.This painting is more lovely than all the others.
That was the most expensive meal we ever ate.We paid more money for this food than any other meal.
Mathematics is the most difficult subject for me.Math is harder for me than any other school subject.
Irregular Superlatives
Some very common adjectives do not follow the normal rules. You have to memorize them! The word 'good' becomes 'the best'. The word 'bad' becomes 'the worst'. They completely change their form, so you must practice them often to remember them correctly.
Pizza is the best food in the world.Pizza is my absolute favorite food.
Monday is the worst day of the week for me.Monday is my least favorite day.
๐ Key words
superlativethe highest quality
the biggestlargest in size
the most beautifulloveliest to see
the besthighest quality
the worstlowest quality
expensivecosts much money
tallesthighest in height
๐ก Always remember to put the word 'the' before your superlative adjective. We say 'the biggest', not just 'biggest'.
