Superlatives, 1
Superlative adjectives highlight one (or more) among a group of items. They identify the item(s) as having the highest or lowest quality referred to.
Structure of Superlative Adjectives: Intensifying
| Superlative = the (adjective)-est/iest or Superlative = the most + adjective |
Examples:
| Adjective | Superlative |
|---|---|
| smart | the smartest |
| hot | the hottest |
| heavy | the heaviest |
| important | the most important |
| ridiculous | the most ridiculous |
| technical | the most technical |
Superlative Sentence Structures:
Positive and Intensifying
be, am, is, are, was, were, been, being
| Subject + be + (one of) + superlative (noun) Subject + main verb + (one of) + superlative (noun) |
Examples:
• Elephants are the biggest land animals.
• Shaq O’Neal was one of the greatest basketball players.
• Dr. Sundari uses the most powerful computer in the lab.
• The company’s best hacker fixed the system.
• I bought the latest smartphone.
• Smita was the brightest student in our class.
• Only the best can perform at the City Concert Hall.
• The football captain is dating the most popular girl.
Negative Sentences
| Subject + be + (not) + superlative (noun) Subject + do not + verb-1+ superlative (noun) |
Examples:
• I am not the most qualified person for this position.
• English isn’t the most difficult language to learn.
• The old cannery didn’t produce the worst pollution in town.
• This restaurant doesn’t serve the tastiest bean soup.
• The team with the best record didn’t win the championship.
Yes-No Questions
|
Be + subject + superlative (noun)?
Do + subject + verb-1 + superlative (noun)? |
Examples:
• Are tortoises the slowest animals?
• Does parsley contain the most antioxidants per serving?
• Is classical literature the most boring subject?
• Were the Beatles the most famous rock group?
WH Questions
| WH-Q word + be + superlative (noun)?
WH-Q word + do + subject + verb-1 + superlative (noun)? |
Examples:
• Who is or was the greatest magician?
• When is the best time to get married?
• How did Blanche became the highest paid salesperson in the company?
Answer the following questions
Fill in the blanks, or say if you agree or disagree. Say why and give examples.
Culture
1/2. The most popular TV show is Scooby Doo. True or false? What is the most watched or most popular TV show (or YouTube channel or video)?
1/3. What is the most popular meal or food in your city? What is the most delicious food?
2/3. Is Bill Gates the richest person in the world? Who is the richest person in your town or city? What is his or her occupation?
3/4. I am the smartest person in my school or company. Is this right or wrong? Who is the smartest person you have met?
4/5. What is the most popular hobby or pastime?
5/8. The most famous or popular singer is Lady Gaga. What do you think?
People and Places
7/8. The most common (first) names in my country are Barney and Matilda. Is this correct or incorrect?
7/10. Is the most common surname in your nation Smith? What are the most common surnames in your country? What are the most common surnames in neighboring countries?
9/10. What is the most common job? What is the most popular job?
11/100. The most expensive item in the shopping center, department store is . . . .
17/100. The most beautiful woman is . . . . . Who is the most handsome man?
21/1000. The most fascinating place in the world is New York City. Do you agree?
