Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Superlative Forms - Understanding the English Superlative Form

Superlative Forms - Understanding the English Superlative Form
From Kenneth Beare

Here is a chart showing how to construct the superlative form in English:

One Syllable Adjectives
place 'the' before the adjective and add '-est' to end of the adjective (Note: double the final consonant if preceded by a vowel)
Example: cheap - the cheapest / hot - the hottest / high - the highest

Example Sentences
Today is the hottest day of the summer.
This book is the cheapest I can find.

Two, Three or More Syllable Adjectives
place 'the most' before the adjective
Example: interesting - the most interesting / difficult - the most difficult

Example Sentences
London is the most expensive city in England.
That is the most beautiful painting here.

Two Syllable Adjectives Ending in '-y' place 'the' before the adjective and remove the 'y' from the adjective and add 'iest'
Example: happy - the happiest / funny - the funniest

Example Sentences
New York is the noisiest city in the USA.
He is the most important person I know.

IMPORTANT EXCEPTIONS

There are some important exceptions to these rules. Here are two of the most important exceptions:

good

good - adjective
the best - superlative
Example Sentences

Peter is the best golf player in the school.
This is the best school in the city.

bad

bad - adjective
the worst - superlative

Example Sentences
Jane is the worst student in the class.
This is the worst day of my life.

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