They are adjectives that we use to express a preference for things. We will learn in this lesson how to form superlatives in English.
Superlative form:
1- If an adjective is one syllable, we add the article (The) before the adjective and add the letters (est) to the end of the adjective.
The + adjective/est
|
Adjective |
Superlative form |
|
Old |
The oldest |
|
Hight |
The highest |
|
Cheap |
The cheapest |
|
Tall |
The tallest |
|
Near |
The nearest |
|
Low |
The lowest |
|
Loud |
The loudest |
Examples:
|
Summer is the hottest season. |
|
This is the smallest table in the room. |
|
She is the friendliest person I know. |
|
My friend is the smartest student in the class. |
|
This park is the largest. |
|
My mom is the best. |
2- If an adjective consists of two or more syllables, we add before it (The most) to express the highest degree of the adjective or (The least) to express the lowest degree of the adjective.
The most + adjective
The least + adjective
|
Adjective |
Superlative form |
|
Exciting |
The most/least exciting |
|
Disgusting |
The most/least disgusting |
|
Intelligent |
The most/least intelligent |
|
Amazing |
The most/least amazing |
|
Horrible |
The most/least horrible |
Examples:
|
Science is the most difficult subject in school. |
|
This novel has the least interesting story. |
|
The chair is the least comfortable furniture. |
|
Sarah is the most intelligent student. |
Note:
1- When an adjective ends with the letter e, we add the letters (st) after it.
Examples:
|
Nice |
The nicest |
|
Large |
The largest |
2- When an adjective ends with the letter y, we replace it with the letter i and then add (est) to the end of the word.
Examples:
|
Pretty |
The prettiest |
|
Lucky |
The luckiest |
3- If an adjective has one of these letters (a - i - o - u - e) before the last letter, we double the last letter and then add (est).
Examples:
|
Big |
The biggest |
|
Fat |
The fattest |
4- We do not use any of the previous rules in some cases.
Examples:
|
Good |
Best |
|
Bad |
Worst |
|
Little |
Least |
|
Much |
Most |
|
More |
Most |
That is everything related to superlative adjectives. If you have any questions or suggestions, you can share them in the comments section below.
Exercise
Form superlative adjectives from the words in brackets
1- I am … of my brothers. (old)
2- This is … movie. (more/ exciting)
3- He thinks cats are … animals. (less/ dangerous)
4- It is … . (large)
5- Sam is … boy. (happy)
6- She has … room. (big)
Answers
1- the oldest
2- the most exciting
3- the least dangerous
4- the largest
5- the happiest
6- the biggest