A2 Elementary Comparison and adverbs of manner
Superlatives
Lesson goal. After this lesson you can say who or what is the most in a group, and you will not forget the.
When to use it
- Ranking within a group: Nam is the tallest boy in my class.
- Records and extremes: Fansipan is the highest mountain in Viet Nam.
- Personal opinions: This is the best film I have ever seen.
Form
| Adjective | Superlative | Example |
|---|---|---|
| one syllable | the + …est | tall → the tallest |
| two syllables ending in -y | the + …iest | happy → the happiest |
| long (other two-syllable words or longer) | the most + adjective | expensive → the most expensive |
| irregular | learn by heart | good → the best · bad → the worst |
Step by step
- Decide which group you compare inside: the class, the city, the world.
- Count the syllables as in the comparative lesson.
- Short → the …est; long → the most ….
- Add in (a place) or of (a group) if needed.
Comparative and superlative
| Adjective | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|---|---|
| tall | taller than | the tallest |
| happy | happier than | the happiest |
| expensive | more expensive than | the most expensive |
| good | better than | the best |
| bad | worse than | the worst |
Examples
Nam is the tallest boy in my class.
This is the most interesting book I have.
Yesterday was the hottest day of the year.
He is the best student of the three.
It was the worst film I have ever seen.
Ha Long Bay is one of the most beautiful places in Viet Nam.
Common mistakes
He is tallest student in the class. → He is the tallest student in the class.
Vietnamese needs no article, so learners drop the. In English the superlative nearly always takes the.
She is the most tallest girl. → She is the tallest girl.
Use only one marker: either the most or -est.
This is the goodest film. → This is the best film.
good is irregular → the best.
Memory tip
The superlative always takes the because only one thing can be top — and English marks unique things with the.
Summary
- Short → the …est · long → the most ….
- Always the; usually followed by in or of.
- good → the best · bad → the worst.
Practise this lesson
Do exercises with an explanation for every question, take mini tests and track your progress on GrammUp.