Superlative adverbs

Superlative adverbs

By James Eardley

What are Superlative Adverbs?

Superlative adverbs are used when comparing three or more places, persons or things. They function in a similar way to comparative adverbs but end with (-est) when denoting something bigger, smaller and more colorful than the comparative (-er). Superlative adverbs with one or two syllables that have one or two syllables end with (-est) e.g. Strongest, fastest and easiest. Whereas ones with more than one syllables or end with (-ly) in the comparative form have 'most' which is used in conjunction (-ly) (e.g.  'most smoothly' 'most actively'.

Example 1: Best

‘better’ is a comparative adjective used to denote a comparison of quality between two nouns that can either be persons, places and things. Whereas ‘best’ is a superlatives adjective that denotes a comparison of at least three or more nouns. (Note: The superlative best means of the highest quality')

1. Chicken is good, beef is better and pork is the best.

2. While Skyrim was a good Elder Scrolls game, i think Oblivion was better, but Morrowind was the best by far.

3. Rafael Nadal is the best Tennis player in the world.

Example 2:  Worst

‘worse’ is a comparative adverb that means the same thing as ‘bad’, but more unpleasant, difficult or severe  than before or something else that is bad. Whereas 'worst' means the same ting 'worse' but most unpleasant, difficult or severe.

1. If you think Activision treat their consumer base very badly, Electronic Arts is even worse, and Bethesda Softworks is the very worst out of all of them. Fallout 76 was an absolute disaster.

2. Scandinavia has the worst weather, because it's way too cold in winter.

Example 3: Least

the comparative adverb ‘lesser’ means smaller in size and amount. Whereas 'least' means smallest in size and amount as well as to a degree someone or something is more liked or disliked to various degrees.

1. Out of all the places I've been to in Latin America i dislike Mexico the least.

2. This three year old Ford Mustang is of less quality than yours, and the previous i had was of even lesser quality. Although i am the least qualified person to ask about cars, I still very much like the Ford Mustang's and would absolutely recommend them.

3. Out of all the evil less and lesser evil choices he made he chose the most difficult but least evil choices.

Example 5: Most

The determiner ‘much’ means to a large amount or a larger degree. Whereas ‘most’ is a superlative term for the highest quantity quality or degree. (Note:  ‘Much’ can never be used for countable nouns. On the other hand ‘most’ can be used for both countable and uncountable nouns.

1. I love my aunt very much, but i love my grandmother more, and my mother most of all.

2.  He has done very much of the cleaning for you, but you have done most of it, that is why you are getting more pocket money than her.