Expressing opinions with superlatives

Expressing Opinions & Superlatives

Superlatives are used to express superiority. There are two types of superlative forms, usually based on the number of syllables in the adjective or adverb. Typically, for short adjectives like “easy”, we add (the) + “-est” to the adjective Ex. “the easiest”. For longer adjectives like “competent”, we use (the) + “most” before the adjective. Ex. “the most competent”. The same is true for adverbs, though some forms may change. Ex. “the easiest” versus “the most easily”.

# of syllables	Form	Example
1-2	the adj+estorthe adv+est	Typing on a computer is the easiest.Martha types the fastest.
2+	the most + adjective (+)the most + adverb (+)the least + adjective (-)the least + adverb )-)	Sarah is the most competent.Mike is the least competent.
Exceptionsgood = the bestbad = the worstfun – the most fun	the bestthe worst	Balancing the books is the most fun.

Superlative Examples

Table below shows examples of short and long adjectives in superlative form. Use table below to help you complete the exercises in this module.

Adjective	Sentence with adjective	Sentence with a superlative
good	The report is very good.	The report is the best.
effective	The salesman is effective.	The salesman is the most effective.
expensive	The new photocopier was expensive.	The new photocopier was the most expensive.
cheap	This pen is very cheap.	This pen is the cheapest.
fast	The typist is quite fast.	The typist is the fastest.
honest	The accountant is not very honest.	The accountant is the most honest.
transparent	Their account is transparent.	Their account is the most transparent.
risky	The venture is risky.	The venture is the riskiest.
bold	That is a bold market tactic.	That is the boldest market.
Adverb	Sentence with adverb	Sentence with a superlative
good	You are driving well.	You are driving the best.
effective	He is writing effectively.	He is writing the most effectively.
always	She is always efficient.	She is always the most efficient.
correctly	You write correctly.	You write the most correctly.
quickly	She types quickly.	She types the quickest.
rarely	He rarely uses the fax machine.	He uses the fax machine the least.
adequately	The employee works adequately.	The employee works the most adequately.
precariously	The pilot navigates precariously.	The pilot navigates the most precariously.
bold	The salesman boldly negotiates.	The salesman negotiates the most boldly.