Superlatives (the longest / the most enjoyable etc.)
Forming and using superlative adjectives with -est and most, including prepositions and common patterns
How to Form Superlatives
The superlative form is -est or most … depending on the length of the adjective. Use -est for short words and most for longer words.
| Base form | Superlative |
|---|---|
| long | the longest |
| hot | the hottest |
| easy | the easiest |
| hard | the hardest |
| famous | the most famous |
| boring | the most boring |
| enjoyable | the most enjoyable |
| difficult | the most difficult |
A few superlatives are irregular:
| Base form | Superlative |
|---|---|
| good | the best |
| bad | the worst |
| far | the furthest / the farthest |
Using “the” with Superlatives
We normally use the (or my/your/his etc.) before a superlative.
- Yesterday was the hottest day of the year.
- The Louvre in Paris is one of the most famous museums in the world.
- She’s really nice — one of the nicest people I know.
- How old is your youngest child?
Compare the superlative and the comparative:
| Superlative | Comparative |
|---|---|
| This hotel is the cheapest in town. | It’s cheaper than all the others in town. |
| He’s the most patient person I’ve ever met. | He’s much more patient than I am. |
Oldest and Eldest
The superlative of old is oldest:
- That church is the oldest building in the town. (not
the eldest)
Use eldest only for people in a family (you can also use oldest):
- Their eldest son is 13 years old. (or Their oldest son)
- Are you the eldest in your family? (or the oldest)
Prepositions After Superlatives: in or of
Use in with places, organisations, and groups of people:
- What’s the longest river in the world? (not
of the world) - We had a nice room. It was one of the best in the hotel.
- Who is the youngest student in the class?
Use of for a period of time (day, year, life etc.):
- Yesterday was the hottest day of the year.
- What was the happiest day of your life?
Superlatives with the Present Perfect
We often use the present perfect (have/has + past participle) after a superlative. This is very common with ever.
- What’s the most important decision you‘ve ever made?
- That was the best holiday I‘ve had for a long time.
- That’s the funniest joke I‘ve ever heard.
Quick Self-Check
We didn't have much money, so we stayed at _____ hotel in the town.
Select your answer:
That church is _____ building in the town.
Select your answer:
What is the longest river _____ the world?
Select your answer:
Yesterday was the hottest day _____ the year.
Select your answer:
That's the most boring movie I _____ seen.
Select your answer: