Common Mistake: Using 'of all other' with Superlatives

One common mistake in English grammar is the incorrect use of the phrase 'of all other' in combination with superlatives.

What is a Superlative?

A superlative is a form of an adjective or adverb that expresses the highest degree of a quality. Examples of superlatives include 'best,' 'worst,' 'biggest,' and 'fastest.'

The Error: 'of all other'

When using a superlative, the phrase 'of all other' should not be used unless you have already specified someone or something as the most superior and are comparing the remaining items.

For example:

• Incorrect: This is the best chocolate cake of all other cakes I have tasted.
• Correct: This is the best chocolate cake I have tasted.

In the correct sentence, the phrase 'of all other' is unnecessary because there is no specific cake that has been mentioned previously for comparison.

How to Correct the Mistake:

To correct this mistake, simply remove the phrase 'of all other' when it is not necessary.

For example:

• Incorrect: He is the most talented musician of all other musicians in the band.
• Correct: He is the most talented musician in the band.

In the corrected sentence, the phrase 'of all other' has been removed because there is no need to compare the musician to any specific musician mentioned before.

Remember to always use superlatives correctly by avoiding the addition of 'of all other' unless it is appropriate based on the context and comparison being made.

Linguix grammar checker can help you identify and correct this common mistake, ensuring that your writing is grammatically accurate and well-polished.