30. The Superlative Form of Adjectives

English Explanations

1. Use the superlative form of an adjective to compare three or more things. Add -est to most one-syllable adjectives. If the adjective ends in e, add -st. If it ends with a consonant-vowel-consonant pattern, double the last consonant and add -est. The superlative form of an adjective begins with the.

2. To form the superlative of most two- and three-syllable adjectives, put the most before the adjective.
3. To form the superlative of two-syllable adjectives that end in y, change the y to i and add -est.
4. The adjectives, good, bad, and far have irregular superlative forms.
5. The prepositional phrases of all and in+ noun phrase often follow the superlative form.

THE SUPERLATIVE
One-Syllable Adjectives
the + adjective + -est cheap cheapest
One-Syllable Adjectives Ending with e
the + adjective + -st nice the nicest
One-Syllable Adjectives Ending in a Consonant-Vowel-Consonant
the + adjective + (double the last consonant) + -est sad the saddest
Two-Syllable Adjectives
the + most + adjective common the most common
Two-Syllable Adjectives Ending with y
the + adjective (change y to i) + -est noisy the noisiest
Three-Syllable Adjectives
the + most + adjective delicious the most delicious the + most + adjective beautiful the most beautiful
Irregular Adjectives
good the best bad the worst far the furthest/the farthest