How to use the superlative 1

We use a superlative to say that a thing or person is the most of a group. We can use superlative
adjectives before nouns, or after linking verbs without nouns.

When we use a superlative adjective (‘the tallest student’) before the noun, we often use ‘the’.

• She’s the most beautiful girl that I’ve ever seen.

• It’s the best café in London.
• This bowl is the biggest one.

We don’t use ‘the’ when there is a possessive. The possessive replaces ‘the’.

• He’s my best student.

• That’s our most important goal.

When we use a superlative adjective after a linking verb, without a noun, you can often choose to use
‘the’ or not to use ‘the’. The meaning is the same.

• She is (the) most beautiful.

• This café is (the) best.
• This bowl is (the) biggest.

This is not possible when the adjective comes directly before the noun. We must use ‘the’.

• He is the fastest swimmer.

• NOT: He is fastest swimmer.
 Superlatives with or without ‘the’ exercise

Put in ‘the’ or ‘-‘ if we don’t need an article.

1. You are my ______ oldest friend.

2. He is ______ tallest student in the class.

3. This coffee is ______ best.

4. Julie is ______ fastest.

5. William got ______ highest mark in the exam.

6. Which restaurant is ______ closest?

7. Is this your ______ biggest bag?

8. This dress is ______ most beautiful.

9. He lives in ______ coldest city in the UK.

10. That is ______ smallest house in the village.

 Answers: Superlatives with or without ‘the’

1. You are my oldest friend.

2. He is the tallest student in the class.

3. This coffee is best.

4. Julie is fastest.

5. William got the highest mark in the exam.

6. Which restaurant is closest?

7. Is this your biggest bag?

8. This dress is most beautiful.

9. He lives in the coldest city in the UK.

10. That is the smallest house in the village.