Master English Grammar

Superlatives – The Biggest, The Most Interesting

Learn how to use superlative adjectives to compare three or more things. Understand when to add -est or use the most before an adjective.

What Are Superlative Adjectives?

Superlative adjectives are used to compare three or more people, places, or things. They often end in -est (e.g., biggest) or use the most (e.g., the most interesting).

Why Is This Important?

Superlatives help you express the highest degree of a quality when comparing multiple things in English.

Key Points

One-syllable adjectives add -est
- big → biggest
- small → smallest
Two-syllable adjectives ending in -y change to -iest
- happy → happiest
- easy → easiest
Longer adjectives use 'the most' before the adjective
- interesting → the most interesting
- beautiful → the most beautiful

Rules for Using Superlatives
Use -est for short adjectives (one syllable).
This is the biggest house in the neighborhood.
That was the smallest dog I've ever seen.
Use -iest for two-syllable adjectives ending in -y.
She is the happiest person I know.
That was the easiest exam ever.
Use 'the most' before longer adjectives (two or more syllables).
This is the most interesting book I've read.
That was the most difficult test.
Special Cases & Exceptions:
Some adjectives have irregular superlative forms.
Irregular superlatives do not follow the usual rules.
good → best
bad → worst
far → farthest (or furthest)

Example	Tense	Use
This is the biggest house in the neighborhood.	Superlative	Comparing three or more things
This book is the most interesting one I’ve read.	Superlative	Comparing three or more things

Quick Examples

Here are quick examples of superlative adjectives in use.

Learn More with Video Lessons

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with the creators of these videos. These are publicly available resources used to provide additional information on the topic.