Superlatives grammar in English

Language: English
Level: A2
Unit: Comparisons
Practice types: 0

What this grammar point covers

Superlatives are words we use in English to show that something has the highest or lowest level of a quality in a group. For example, 'the tallest', 'the smallest', or 'the most interesting'.

When to use it

We use superlatives to compare three or more people, places, or things, and to show which one is the most or least in some way.

Key forms

For short adjectives: the + adjective + -est (the tallest)
For long adjectives: the most + adjective (the most beautiful)

Examples

She is the youngest in the class.

This is the most expensive book.

Mount Everest is the highest mountain.

That was the funniest movie.

Tips

Always use 'the' before the superlative form.
For adjectives ending in 'y', change 'y' to 'i' before adding '-est' (happy → the happiest).
Do not use 'the most' and '-est' together (say 'the fastest', not 'the most fastest').