Grammar: Superlative Adjectives
A2 Lesson 18: The Biggest, The Most Interesting
What are Superlatives?
In the last lesson, we compared two things (e.g., "My moto is faster than your bicycle.").
Today, we will learn superlative adjectives. We use superlatives to compare three or more things and say which one is at the top level (the maximum).
For example: A bicycle is fast. A moto is faster. But an airplane is the fastest of all.
Comparing Two vs. Three+ Things
Use -er or more to compare two things.
Example: A tuk-tuk is more expensive than a moto.
Use the -est or the most to show the one at the top of a group.
Example: A taxi is the most expensive of all.
The Grammar Rule 📖
How to Form Superlatives
| Adjective Type | Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Short (1 Syllable) | Add the ...-est | old → the oldest |
| Long (2+ Syllables) | Use the most ... | beautiful → the most beautiful |
| Ends in -y | Change 'y' to 'i', add the ...-est | busy → the busiest |
Practice Your Grammar 🎯
Exercise: Comparative or Superlative?
Choose the correct form of the adjective for each sentence.
- My brother is (older / the oldest) than me.
→ older (Comparing two people) - This is (more delicious / the most delicious) soup I have ever eaten!
→ the most delicious (Comparing to all other soups) - Which building is (taller / the tallest) in Phnom Penh: Vattanac Tower or Canadia Tower?
→ taller (Comparing two buildings) - Mount Everest is (higher / the highest) mountain in the world.
→ the highest (Comparing to all other mountains)
Your Grammar Mission ⭐
Share Your Opinions
Write three sentences about your opinions. Use a different superlative adjective in each sentence. This is a great way to practice!
Example: I think the Mekong is the most important river in Cambodia. For me, April is the hottest month.
Key Vocabulary
- Superlative Expressing the highest or a very high degree of a quality.
- Maximum The most or highest amount possible or allowed.
- Group A number of people or things that are located, gathered, or classed together.