Superlatives

Use the superlative form when speaking about three or more objects to show which object is 'the most' of something. Look at the three squares.

The blue square is smaller than the red square.

The red square is bigger than the blue square.

The green square is bigger than the blue square and the green square. The green square is the biggest.

The biggest is the superlative form.

Superlatives – Structure and Spelling

One Syllable Adjectives

We usually form the superlative forms of a one-syllable adjective by adding–est. big>bigger>biggest.

There are some exceptions. The table below explains the exception.

If the adjective ends in: consonant + -y

change the -y to an –i

add est

dry>drier>driest

If the adjective ends in: consonant + -e

remove the –e

add est

late>later>latest

If the adjective ends in: consonant + vowel + consonant

double the last letter

add est

hot>hotter>hottest

Exception: adjectives ending in -l are regular, except: cruel > crueller > cruellest

Two Syllable Adjectives

We usually form the superlative forms of a two-syllable adjective by adding the most: peaceful> more peaceful> the most peaceful.

There are some exceptions. The table below explains the exceptions.

There are some exceptions. The table below explains the exception.

If the adjective ends in: consonant + -y

change the -y to an –i

add est

happy>happier>happiest

If the adjectives ends in –er, -le, or –ow

add est

little>littler>littlest

Three or More Syllable Adjectives

For adjectives with three syllables or more, you form the superlative with the most: beautiful> more beautiful>the most beautiful.

Irregular Forms

Click on the links below to learn more about Adjectives