Superlative adjectives help you express extremes by showing that something has the highest or lowest degree of a particular quality compared to all others in a group. You usually form superlatives by adding -est to short adjectives, using most before longer adjectives, or using irregular forms. They are often followed by the word the.
Rules for Forming Superlatives
Superlative adjectives are formed depending on the length and ending of the adjective.
- Short adjectives: Add -est (e.g., fast → fastest)
- Adjectives ending in -e: Add -st (e.g., large → largest)
- Short adjectives ending in a consonant + vowel + consonant: Double the final consonant and add -est (e.g., big → biggest)
- Long adjectives (usually 3 or more syllables): Use most before the adjective (e.g., beautiful → most beautiful)
- Irregular adjectives: Use special forms (e.g., good → best)
Examples of Superlative Adjectives
Here are some examples showing how to use superlative adjectives in sentences.
- This is the tallest building in the city.
- She is the most intelligent student in the class.
- That was the best movie I’ve ever seen.
- He owns the largest collection of stamps.
- Today is the coldest day of the year.
Using Superlatives in Sentences
- Always use the before a superlative adjective (e.g., the tallest, the most interesting).
- Superlatives compare one thing against all others in a group.
- They can be used with singular nouns (e.g., the shortest route) or uncountable nouns (e.g., the most water).
Placement in Sentences
- Before a noun: She chose the most expensive dress.
- After a linking verb: This cake is the sweetest.
- With a prepositional phrase: He is the fastest runner in the team.
Which noun forms can superlative adjectives modify?
Singular and uncountable nouns
Superlatives can be used with singular nouns (e.g., the shortest route) and uncountable nouns (e.g., the most water).
Practice: Identify and Use Superlatives
Try identifying superlatives in these sentences and then create your own.
- Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world.
- That was the most exciting game I've ever watched.
- She bought the cheapest shoes in the store.
- This is the oldest tree in the park.
- He is the wisest person I know.
Now, write three sentences using superlative adjectives you see in these examples.
In the sentence “He is the wisest person I know,” what does the superlative adjective mean?
Most intelligent or wise
‘Wisest’ means he has the greatest wisdom or intelligence among all the people the speaker knows.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
