Do you know what a superlative is? This article will provide you with all of the information you need on superlatives, including its definition, usage, example sentences, and more!
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Kevin
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December 15, 2021
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What are superlatives?
According to Your Dictionary, in English grammar superlatives, or superlative adjectives/comparative adjectives, are used to compare one noun to another noun, or to compare three or more nouns. We often think of these as “er” and “est” adjectives for regular verbs. In a superlative list, the adjectives might be “big, bigger, biggest” with biggest being the highest degree of comparison. If the adjective has a consonant + single vowel + consonant spelling, the final consonant is doubled before adding the ending. The superlative form or superlative degree would be considered the “most” or “est.” You may stumble across a number of irregular comparatives depending on the number of syllables such as one-syllable adjectives or a two-syllable adjective, or an adjective word that has a single consonant at the end. A comparative degree of comparison or superlative degree of comparison is useful to compare something to the rest of the group. A superlative marker, or comparative word in the comparative form is seen often in language. According to Grammar Monster, a double superlative is a grammar mistake caused by applying two ways of forming a superlative instead of one, such as “most tallest.”
What are examples of superlatives?
Superlatives can be used in many different contexts in the English language. Trying to use a word or literary technique in a sentence is one of the best ways to memorize what it is, but you can also try making flashcards or quizzes that test your knowledge. Try using this term of the day in a sentence today! Below are a couple of examples of superlatives from Your Dictionary and Thought Co that can help get you started incorporating this tool into your everyday use.
- He won a Grammy for best entertainer.
- My house is bigger than yours.
- My brother is taller than I am, but he is older too.
- He bought the best car with his lottery fortune.
- The Kansas City Chiefs made a comeback with superlative quarterback Patrick Mahomes after months of isolation – they will win the next Super Bowl.
- I am the shortest person in my family.
- The politician has the best laugh during the debates.
- Learning Japanese is more difficult than learning Italian.
- The runt of the litter is the smallest.
- A rose is more beautiful than a daisy.
- Your grade is worse than mine.
- Haven Kimmel: ‘Also,’ I said, unable to control the momentum of how right I was, ‘it’s freezing cold outside on Easter Sunday and every year I just stand there with my teeth clacking, and singing outside in a dress in the freezing cold is the most stupidest thing I can think of.’
- Edgar in Act Two, scene 3, of William Shakespeare’s King Lear: While I may scape,/I will preserve myself: and am bethought/To take the basest and most poorest shape,/That ever penury, in contempt of man,/Brought near to beast.
- She is the best dancer in my hometown, and has superior technique. She is going to win a world record.
- My date was the biggest catfish I’ve ever met.
- The Pacific Ocean is deeper than the Arctic Ocean.
- Jerry is the least worried about the game.
- It was the best film of the year.
- A pint is less than a quart.
- Beatrix Potter: Just at the turn to Hawkshead is an old-fashioned house, and at the gate of the carriage drive was the most funniest old lady, large black cap, spectacles, apron, ringlets, a tall new rake much higher than herself and apparently no legs: she had stepped out of a fairy-tale.
- This is the most interesting book I have ever read.
- It’s farther from New York to Austin than it is from New York to Nashville.
- She is my best friend. I would live on a deserted island with her.
- The Earth is larger than the moon.
- Thom Nicholson: Suddenly a revelation hit Marty like a thunderclap. He slapped his head with the palm of his hand. ‘Well, if I’m not the most dumbest, slab-sided, cream-sucking, thick-headed cigar-store dummy in six states.
- I can’t find my most comfortable jeans.
- Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world.
- She is the most likely to win a Nobel Prize.
- You are more polite than Joey.
- He was the worst driver in any state I’d ever seen, from Alaska to Florida.
- They voted on biggest prankster, biggest drama king, best person, biggest flirts, and biggest gossip to put the int yearbooks as yearbook superlatives.
- The PDF file was the highest quality.
- Sam is the most handsome boy in the whole school.
- Donald Barthelme: Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who’s the most baddest angry young man of all?
- In high school, I won Best Smile, Best Eyes, Best Sneeze, Best Nickname, and Most Likely to Win an Olympic Medal.
- Jupiter is the biggest planet in our solar system.
- That was the best movie ever.
- At graduation, he was voted most likely to win the Hunger Games.
- Michael Jordan’s records mean he is most likely to be in the hall of fame.
- Charles Dickens: Well! of all the artful and designing orphans that ever I see, Oliver, you are one of the most bare-facedest.
- She is the smartest girl in our class.
- Acme is the biggest supermarket in town.
- Queen in Las Meninas by Lynn Nottage: Nabo told me de absolutely most funniest story this morning. I nearly spoiled myself with delight.
- He had the best shoulder in LA as a pitcher.
Overall, a superlative or comparative sentences are used to compare two or more nouns to compare quantity or form.
Sources:
- Glossary of grammatical terms | OED
- Examples of Comparative and Superlative Adjectives for Kids | Your Dictionary
- superlative: meaning, origin, translation | Word Sense
- Double Superlative | What Is a Double Superlative? | Grammar Monster
- Superlative | Definition of Superlative | Merriam-Webster
- Definition and Examples of Double Superlatives in English | Thought Co
