SUPERLATIVES

SUPERLATIVES

1. Superlative adjectives are used to describe an object which is at the upper or lower limit of a quality (the tallest, the smallest, the fastest, the highest). They are used in sentences where a subject is compared to a group of objects. Noun (subject) + verb + the + superlative adjective + noun (object).

2. ONE SYLLABLE ADJECTIVES

   • Add -er for the comparative and -est for the superlative. If the adjective has a consonant + single vowel + consonant spelling, the final consonant must be doubled before adding the ending.  My house is the largest one in our neighborhood.  This is the smallest box I've ever seen.

3. TWO SYLLABLES

   • Adjectives with two syllables can form the comparative either by adding -er or by preceeding the adjective with more. These adjectives form the superlative either by adding -est or by preceeding the adjective with most. For adjectives ending in y, change the y to an i before adding the ending. He is the most honest person that i know. He is the happies person of my family.

4. THREE OR MORE SYLLABLES

   • Adjectives with three or more syllables form the comparative by putting more in front of the adjective, and the superlative by putting most in front. She is the most beautiful woman in the world. My dad is the most popular person in his job.

5. IRREGULAR SUPERLATIVES

   • These very common adjectives have completely irregular comparative and superlative forms.  Today is the worst day I've had in a long time.  You play tennis better than I do.