SUPERLATIVE ADJECTIVES

SUPERLATIVE ADJECTIVES

1. We can use superlative adjectives when talking about three or more things (not two things).

2. As with comparative adjectives, there are two ways to form a superlative adjective: short adjectives: add "-est" long adjectives: use "most"

3. Use of Superlative Adjectives We use a superlative adjective to describe one thing in a group of three or more things. Look at these examples: John is 1m75. David is 1m80. Chris is 1m85. Chris is the tallest. Canada, China and Russia are big countries. But Russia is the biggest. Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world.

4. EXAMPLES

   • cute – cuter – the cutest Your new dog is cuter than your old one. That is the cutest dog I’ve ever seen! clean – cleaner – the cleanest The house is looking a lot cleaner than it was this morning. The house is the cleanest it has ever been. comfort – more comfortable – the most comfortable I would be more comfortable wearing jeans. These are my most comfortable trousers. dirty – dirtier – the dirtiest That seat looks a bit dirtier than this one. After our walk, my little brother had the dirtiest pair of shoes. expensive – more expensive – the most expensive It’s more expensive to go to France in the summer (than in the winter). Switzerland is the most expensive country in Europe.

5. EXAMPLES

   • good – better – the best (irregular) Baan Thai has got better reviews than the other restaurants in the area. It has by far the best reviews we’ve read so far. happy – happier – the happiest I’m always happier in the summer. John is the happiest I’ve seen him in years. hard-working – more hard-working – the most hard-working Michael is more hard-working than Harry. He’s the most hard-working student I’ve ever taught. healthy – healthier – the healthiest It is healthier to eat vegetables than meat. The Mediterranean diet is the healthiest in the world. high – higher – the highest The Himalayas is a higher mountain range than The Alps. Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world.