Superlative Adjectives

Superlative adjectives show the highest or lowest degree of a quality in a group. We use them when one person, thing, or place is different from all others in the same group. They often come before a noun or after a verb such as be.

We usually use the with a superlative adjective. This shows that we talk about one thing as the top or bottom member of a group. The group may be named in the sentence, or it may be clear from the situation.

Many short adjectives make the superlative with -est. This pattern is common with one-syllable adjectives and with some two-syllable adjectives. The ending is added to the adjective, and we usually use the before it.

Some adjectives change their spelling before we add -est. These changes follow regular spelling patterns. The pronunciation of the base adjective usually stays close to the original word.

Many longer adjectives make the superlative with most. This pattern is common with adjectives of two or more syllables. In careful English, this is the usual form for many long adjectives.

Some adjectives do not follow one simple pattern. A few two-syllable adjectives can take either the -est form or most, and style can affect the choice. Native speakers do not always agree on every adjective, so some variation is normal.

Some adjectives have special superlative forms. These forms do not use -est or most in the usual way. They must be learned as separate words.

You can now use superlative adjectives to show the highest or lowest degree of a quality in a group. You can choose between -est forms and most forms, use the with superlatives, and recognize regular, irregular, and variable patterns. You can also understand that some forms vary by style or speaker choice.