Superlatives
Definition
A superlative compares one member with an entire group and identifies the highest, lowest, greatest or least degree. Short adjectives usually take -est; longer adjectives usually use most or least.
Examples
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This is the tallest building in the city.
One building is compared with all the buildings in the city.
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Mina chose the most practical option.
A longer adjective forms the superlative with most.
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That was the least expensive ticket.
Least identifies the lowest degree.
Comparative vs. superlative
This route is shorter than the coastal route.
Two routes are compared.
This is the shortest route of the three.
One route is selected from a group of three.
A comparative normally compares two items or degrees. A superlative places one item at an extreme within a group.
Some superlatives are irregular
Common adjectives such as good, bad and far do not form their superlatives by simply adding -est or most.
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That was the best part of the trip.
Best is the irregular superlative of good.
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This is the worst delay we have had.
Worst is the irregular superlative of bad.
Common mistakes
She is the most tallest player.
She is the tallest player.
Do not combine most with an -est form.
This is cheapest option.
This is the cheapest option.
A superlative adjective normally takes the when identifying one item in a group.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence correctly compares one mountain with an entire group?
The short adjective high forms the superlative the highest.Which irregular superlative is correct?
The irregular superlative of good is best.Which sentence correctly uses least?
The least complicated identifies the lowest degree within a group.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
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