Superlative Adjectives
(–est vs. most)
Lesson Goal
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to compare more than two things correctly using:
–est (for short adjectives)
most (for longer adjectives)
1️⃣ What Are Superlatives?
We use superlative adjectives to compare three or more things.
Structure:
A is the + superlative adjective
Examples:
Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world.
Winter is the coldest season in Canada.
This is the most interesting book in the class.
2️⃣ Rule 1: Short Adjectives (1 syllable)
For most short adjectives, add –est.
Adjective - Superlative
tall - tallest
fast - fastest
cold - coldest
cheap - cheapest
small - smallest
Example sentences:
A cheetah is the fastest animal.
January is the coldest month in winter.
This house is the smallest on the street.
3️⃣ Rule 2: Long Adjectives (2+ syllables)
For longer adjectives, use most + adjective.
Adjective - Superlative
beautiful - most beautiful
expensive - most expensive
interesting - most interesting
comfortable - most comfortable
colourful (Canadian spelling) - most colourful
Example sentences:
This jacket is the most expensive one in the shop.
That was the most interesting movie I have seen this year.
Autumn is the most colourful season.
4️⃣ Important Spelling Changes
Some short adjectives change spelling.
➤ Adjectives ending in –y
Change y → i + est
happy → happiest
easy → easiest
busy → busiest
Example:
Friday is the happiest day of the week.
➤ Double the final consonant
If the adjective ends in consonant–vowel–consonant:
big → biggest
hot → hottest
thin → thinnest
Example:
Summer is the hottest season.
5️⃣ Irregular Superlatives
Some adjectives are irregular.
Adjective - Superlative
good - best
bad - worst
far - farthest / furthest
Examples:
This is the best restaurant in town.
Today is the worst day of the week for traffic.
That is the furthest school from here.
6️⃣ Common Mistakes (Very Important!)
❌ most tallest
❌ beautifullest
❌ most best
You must choose ONE form:
✔ tallest
✔ most beautiful
✔ best
7️⃣ Comparative vs. Superlative
Remember:
Use comparatives to compare 2 things
Use superlatives to compare 3 or more things
Examples:
Toronto is bigger than Vernon.
Toronto is the biggest city in Canada.
This book is more interesting than that one.
This is the most interesting book in the class.