Lesson 11: Superlative Forms

Superlative Forms

We use the superlative forms when we talk about the maximum or minimum degree of something or someone. We can use superlative forms with people, places or objects. However, here we also have to follow some rules.

1. When forming superlative forms using one-syllable adjectives or adverbs, we have to add the definite article “the”, which precedes the adjective or adverb. Finally, we must add “est” at the end of the adjective or adverb. If the adjective ends in a consonant preceded by a single vowel, the final consonant is duplicated.
Note: This rule also applies to colors, which are adjectives.

• New York is bigger than Miami.
• Yes, but Los Angeles is the biggest city in the USA. 

• I am thinner than my brother. 
• But my nephew is the thinnest in the family. 

• A crow fly faster than a pigeon. 
• Yes, but eagles fly the fastest. 

2. When we use two syllable adjectives or adverbs that in in “y”, we change the final “y” into “i”, we add the indefinite article and finally we add the suffix “est” at the end of the adjective or adverb.

• Armand is crazy. 
• Frank is crazier than Armand. 
• But Hector is the craziest of all of them. 

• Marcela is prettier than Maria. 
• But Gabriela is the prettiest. 

• Bugs Bunny is funny. 
• The Simpsons is funnier than Bugs Bunny. 
• But Alf is the funniest series on TV. 

3. When we use three or more syllable adjectives, we have to add the phrase the most before the adjective or adverb to make the superlative form.

• Helen dance is gracefully. 
• Arleen dance is more gracefully than Helen. 
• But Regina dances the most gracefully. 

• Mary’s kitten is gentle. 
• Her sister’s horse is more gentle. 
• But the old dog is the most gentle. 

• Ford is an expensive car. 
• A Lexus is more expensive than a Ford. 
• But Rolls Royce is the most expensive car.