What Are Superlative Adjectives?

Superlative adjectives are used to compare three or more people, places, or things. They show the highest degree of a quality. For example:

• John is the oldest student in the class.
• This is the most beautiful painting in the gallery.

How to Form Superlative Adjectives

There are two main ways to form superlative adjectives:

1. Adding -est to Short Adjectives

For one-syllable or some two-syllable adjectives, add -est. Don’t forget to use the before the adjective!

• Fast → The fastest
• Small → The smallest
• Happy → The happiest

2. Using Most with Long Adjectives

For adjectives with two or more syllables, use most before the adjective.

• Interesting → The most interesting
• Expensive → The most expensive

Using Superlatives in Sentences

When using superlative adjectives, remember these rules:

1. Always Use The

Superlatives require the because they refer to something unique.

• This is the tallest building in the city.
• He is the smartest student in the group.

2. Use In for Places or Groups

After superlatives, use in before a place or a group of people:

• She is the best singer in the band.
• This is the most famous restaurant in the town.

Examples of Superlative Adjectives

• Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world.
• This is the most important decision of my life.
• Our dog is the friendliest in the neighborhood.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t forget the: This is tallest building in the city. ✗ → This is the tallest building in the city. ✔
• Use in correctly: She is the best student of the class. ✗ → She is the best student in the class. ✔

Practice Questions

Test your knowledge with these questions:

1. What is the tallest building in your city?
2. Who is the most famous person you know?
3. What is the coldest month of the year?