No 'more' or 'most' before superlatives

When we want to express that something is of the highest degree or quality within a certain group, we use the superlative form of an adjective. However, it is important to remember that we do not use 'more' or 'most' before superlatives. Instead, we use only the base adjective form preceded by 'the'.

For example:

• Incorrect: She is the most tallest girl in the class.
• Correct: She is the tallest girl in the class.

Comparative vs Superlative

Before we dive deeper into this common mistake, let's quickly review the difference between comparative and superlative forms of adjectives. Comparative adjectives are used to compare two things, while superlative adjectives are used to describe the highest degree or quality within a certain group of three or more things.

For example:

• Comparative: This cake is sweeter than that one.
• Superlative: This cake is the sweetest of all.

The correct usage of superlatives

To form the superlative of most adjectives, we add '-est' to the base form of the adjective, preceded by 'the'.

For example:

• Fast - the fastest
• Big - the biggest
• Beautiful - the most beautiful (exception to the rule)

It's important to note that there are a few irregular adjectives that have completely different forms for the comparative and superlative.

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