Superlative Degree of Comparison: Meaning, Rules, Examples and Exercises

Comparing things is something we do every day. We say a film is good, another is better and one is the best we have ever watched. The last form, which shows the highest or lowest point of a quality, is called the superlative degree. In this guide, we will learn about the superlative degree of comparison in simple terms. You will learn its meaning, formation, usage, and how to avoid common mistakes with examples and exercises.

Table of Contents

• What is the Superlative Degree of Comparison?
• How to Form the Superlative Degree of Comparison
• Points to Remember When Using the Superlative Degree
• Examples of Superlative Degree of Comparison
• Common Mistakes and Quick Tips
• Superlative Degree of Comparison Examples
• Superlative Degree of Comparison Exercise
• Frequently Asked Questions on Superlative Degree of Comparison

What is the Superlative Degree of Comparison?

The superlative degree of comparison is the form of an adjective or adverb that points to the highest or lowest level of a quality within a group of three or more people, places or things. In simple words, it tells us who or what stands out the most. It is not just better than one other thing, but better (or worse) than everything else being discussed.

Examples:

• Maya is the tallest student in her class.

• This is the most interesting chapter in the book.

 

How to Form the Superlative Degree of Comparison

The formation of superlative adjectives depends on the length and spelling of the adjective.

Short adjectives: Add -est to the end of the word. If the adjective already ends in -e, just add -st.

• tall → tallest

• fast → fastest

• large → largest

Adjectives ending in a consonant plus a single vowel: Double the final consonant before adding -est.

• big → biggest

• thin → thinnest

• hot → hottest

Adjectives ending in a consonant plus -y: Change the y to i before adding -est.

• happy → happiest

• easy → easiest

• busy → busiest

Longer adjectives: Use most before the adjective, keeping its base form. Do not add -est to these words.

• beautiful → most beautiful

• interesting → most interesting

• comfortable → most comfortable

Irregular adjectives: A handful of common words do not follow any pattern and simply have to be learned.

• good → best

• bad → worst

• little → least

• far → farthest / furthest

• much / many → most

 

Points to Remember When Using the Superlative Degree

• The superlative is generally used when comparing three or more people or things.

• The article 'the' is placed before the superlative adjective in nearly all cases.

• One-syllable adjectives take -est, while adjectives with two or more syllables usually take most.

• Some adjectives change spelling before -est is added, such as doubling a consonant or swapping y for i.

• A small group of adjectives, such as good and bad, has completely irregular superlative forms.

• Superlative adverbs follow a similar pattern, though many adverbs use most rather than -est.

 

Examples of Superlative Degree of Comparison

• Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak on the African continent.

• Of the three siblings, Priya is the most patient.

• This is the quietest street I have ever lived on.

• Grandma's recipe is the tastiest dish at every family gathering.

• The blue whale is the largest animal on Earth.

• Out of all the players, Arjun is the fastest runner on the team.

• That was the most difficult exam I have sat this year.

• The library is the coolest room in the entire building during summer.

• Chennai is one of the hottest cities in India during May.

• This novel is the most gripping story I have read all year.

 

Common Mistakes and Quick Tips

Mistake 1: Using both -est and most together. 

Incorrect: She is the most tallest girl in the class. 

Correct: She is the tallest girl in the class.

Mistake 2: Forgetting the article the. 

Incorrect: This is best cake I have ever eaten. 

Correct: This is the best cake I have ever eaten.

Mistake 3: Using the superlative to compare only two things. 

Incorrect: Of the two brothers, Ravi is the tallest. 

Correct: Of the two brothers, Ravi is the taller one.

Tip 1: If you can count exactly two items being compared, reach for the comparative. If there are three or more, the superlative is the correct choice.

Tip 2: When unsure whether to use -est or most, count the syllables. Short words usually take -est, longer words take most.

 

Superlative Degree of Comparison Examples

Here are some examples of positive, comparative and superlative degrees of comparison to understand how adjectives change across forms.

 

Superlative Degree of Comparison Exercise

Fill in the Blanks.

1. This is ____________ (funny) joke I have heard all week.

2. The Amazon is ____________ (wide) river in South America.

3. Out of all the shops on the street, this one is ____________ (cheap).

4. That was ____________ (thrilling) match of the entire tournament.

5. Leo is ____________ (young) player on the football squad.

6. This bakery sells ____________ (good) bread in the neighbourhood.

7. Winter here brings ____________ (cold) weather of the whole year.

8. Of all her paintings, this one is ____________ (colourful).

9. He gave ____________ (honest) answer in the whole room.

10. This is ____________ (bad) traffic jam I have ever been stuck in.

Answers:

1. the funniest

2. the widest

3. the cheapest

4. the most thrilling

5. the youngest

6. the best

7. the coldest

8. the most colourful

9. the most honest

10. the worst