Question 1

Which adjectives use -est for superlatives?

Accepted Answer

Most one-syllable adjectives use -est for the superlative: "tall" becomes "the tallest", "cold" becomes "the coldest", and "fast" becomes "the fastest". This pattern is used when you compare one thing with a group, such as "the fastest runner in the class" or "the smallest country in Europe". Some two-syllable adjectives ending in consonant + y also use -est after a spelling change, such as "the happiest" and "the busiest", but this exercise mainly practises one-syllable adjectives. Longer adjectives usually need "the most", not -est.

Question 2

Why is the most fast wrong?

Accepted Answer

"The most fast" is not the standard superlative form because "fast" is a short, one-syllable adjective. Short regular adjectives normally take -est, so the correct form is "the fastest". This pattern also gives "the tallest", "the coldest", "the cheapest", and "the longest". Do not combine "most" with an -est form either: "the most fastest" is a double superlative and is also wrong. Use one pattern only. If the adjective is short and regular, choose "the" + adjective + -est. If the adjective is long, choose "the most" + adjective.

Question 3

Do short superlatives compare two things or a group?

Accepted Answer

Superlatives normally compare one thing with a group of three or more, or with all possible examples in a situation. "The tallest person in my family" compares one person with everyone in the family. "The coldest day of the year" compares one day with all the days in that year. For only two things, a comparative is usually better: "This road is shorter than that road." In exams, look for group phrases such as "in the class", "of all", "in Europe", or "I have ever seen". These clues often tell you that a superlative form is needed.

Short Superlatives (-est) Exercises

Quick Rule

All 20 questions

Continue Practising

Basic Superlatives

Long Superlatives

Superlative Spelling Changes

-ed vs -ing Adjectives

Conditionals

Present Perfect