Read the information about Olympic athletes below.
Complete the sentences as in the example.
Change the adjective into the superlative form. Can you answer the questions?
This worksheet is about practicing superlative adjectives. Students read and complete the sentences. The answer key is attached.
Superlative Adjectives
A superlative is the form of an adjective or an adverb used to compare three or more things. It signifies the greatest or least degree of a quality. Below, we explore the usage and formation of superlatives:
- Usage:
- Superlatives serve two primary purposes:
- To express the highest or lowest degree of a quality.
- To compare more than two things.
- Example sentences:
- Neville is the tallest. (tallest = superlative form of the adjective “tall”)
- Mark listens most attentively of all the students. (most attentively = superlative form of the adverb “attentively”)
- The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries, is not “Eureka!” but “That’s funny.” (most exciting = superlative form of the adjective “exciting”)
- What we anticipate seldom occurs; what we least expected generally happens. (least expected = superlative form of the adverb “little”) (NB: The word “little” can be an adverb or an adjective.)
- Superlatives serve two primary purposes:
- Degrees of Comparison:
- Every adjective or adverb can be written in one of three degrees:
- Positive Degree: Offers no comparison and simply describes the existence of a quality (e.g., “bright,” “brightly”).
- Comparative Degree: Compares two things to show which has a lesser or greater degree of the quality (e.g., “brighter,” “more brightly”).
- Superlative Degree: Compares more than two things to show which has the least or greatest degree of the quality (e.g., “brightest,” “most brightly”).
- Every adjective or adverb can be written in one of three degrees:
- Forming Superlatives:
- To create superlatives:
- For one-syllable words, add the suffix “-est” (e.g., “tallest”).
- For words with more than one syllable, precede with “most” (or “least”) (e.g., “most exciting”).
- Note spelling rules and irregular forms.
- Examples:
- The best defense against the atom bomb is not to be there when it goes off. (best = superlative form of the adjective “good”)
- Pearl is the worst behaved dolphin in the project’s history. (worst = superlative form of the adverb “badly”)
- Examples:
- To create superlatives:
Superlatives in Comparison
Superlatives are used to compare more than two things. When comparing just two things, a comparative form is necessary. For instance:
- The Mercedes is the fastest car in the race.
Remember, precise language usage enhances clarity and precision in communication. Utilize superlatives judiciously to convey nuanced meanings in your expressions. 📚🔍12
Now, let us summarize this information in a structured table:
| Aspect | Definition | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Usage | Expresses the highest or lowest degree of a quality. Compares more than two things. | – Neville is the tallest. – Mark listens most attentively of all the students. – The most exciting phrase to hear in science is not “Eureka!” but “That’s funny.” – What we least expected generally happens. |
| Degrees of Comparison | – Positive Degree: Describes existence of a quality. – Comparative Degree: Compares two things. – Superlative Degree: Compares more than two things. | – bright, brightly – brighter, more brightly – brightest, most brightly |
| Forming Superlatives | – One-syllable words: Add “-est.” – Words with more syllables: Use “most” (or “least”). | – best defense – worst behaved dolphin |
