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Superlatives

General principles

When comparing two things one uses the comparative; however, for comparisons in larger groups, it is the superlative which must be used. The superlative designates extremes: the best, the first, the worst, the last, etc.

The superlative operates like the comparative, with these exceptions:

A. While the word "more" or the ending "–er" signals the comparative, it is the word "most" or the ending "–est" that designates the superlative. (See irregular forms, below):

  • He is the most efficient worker we have.
  • That is the poorest family in the neighborhood.

B. The compared term (adjective or adverb) will be preceded by the definite article:

  • He works the fastest of any student I know.
  • She is the tallest woman in town.

B. Unlike the comparative, the superlative is not followed by "than": instead, one uses "of," followed by the context of the comparison (although this context is sometimes implicit):

  • It's the best day of my life!
  • She works the best of the whole class.
  • She's the one who arrived first.

Irregular forms: Adjectives

Monosyllabic adjectives (and several common two-syllable adjectives) take the ending "–est" in superlatives of superiority, and thus will not use the adverb "most." However, these same adjectives will use "less," like other adjectives, in superlatives of inferiority:
  • young –> youngest
  • tall –> tallest
  • old –> oldest

    If the adjective ends in "–y" the "y" becomes "i":

  • heavy –> heaviest
  • early –> earliest
  • busy –> busiest
  • healthy –> healthiest
  • chilly –> chilliest

    If the adjective ends in "–e" one adds only "–st" :

  • wise –> wisest
  • large –> largest
  • simple –> simplest
  • late –> latest

    If the adjective ends in "single vowel + consonant," the consonant is doubled and one adds "–est":

  • red –> reddest
  • big –> biggest
  • thin –> thinnest
  • hot –> hottest

    Some very common superlatives have irregular forms:

  • good –> best
  • bad –> worst
  • far –> farthest

    Some adjectives exist only in superlative form:

  • first
  • last

Irregular forms: Adverbs

Adverbs not ending in "–ly" do not use the adverb "–most" in the formation of superlatives of superiority, but use instead the ending "–est." However, these same adverbs will use "less," like other adverbs, in superlatives of inferiority:
  • fast –> fastest
  • hard –> hardest

And some adverbs have irregular forms:

  • well –> best
  • badly –> worst
  • far –> farthest

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