Superlative Forms - Understanding the English Superlative Form (cold - the coldest, bad - the worst, etc.)

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.