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Questions and Answers
Irregular superlatives do not follow the usual rules when forming their superlative counterparts. For example, 'good' becomes 'better', so its superlative would be expected to be something like '______'. However, it is actually 'the best'.
best
Bad becomes ______ in its superlative form.
worst
Little becomes ______ in its superlative form.
least
Much becomes ______ in its superlative form.
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Absolute superlatives are those where the quality being described is considered beyond ______.
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Absolute superlatives show no parallelism with others, portraying actions as unique and ______.
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In absolute superlatives, the quality described is considered ______ compare.
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She walked ______ down the street, showing an absolute superlative of slowness.
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He ate everything he could find, showcasing an absolute superlative of voracious ______.
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Absolute superlatives cannot be compared with other members of the group; they are ______.
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Study Notes
Superlatives
Superlatives are a form of comparison used to indicate the highest or lowest degree within a category. They help us express degrees rather than simply making comparisons between two things. In English, there are two types of superlatives we commonly encounter: irregular superlatives and absolute superlatives.
Irregular Superlatives
Irregular superlatives do not follow the usual rules when forming their superlative counterparts. For example, 'good' becomes 'better', so its superlative would be expected to be something like 'best'. However, it is actually 'the best'. This can make learning these forms difficult because they don’t follow any pattern. Here are some examples:
- Bad → Worst
- Good → Best
- Little → Least
- Much → Most
These irregular superlatives are often formed by using the definite article before the adjective. So, while regular superlatives are formed with the suffix '-er' added to the adjectival base word, irregular ones have more complex transformations.
Absolute Superlatives
Absolute superlatives are those where the quality being described is considered beyond compare. They cannot be compared with other members of the group. Examples of this type of adjective can be seen in sentences such as:
- She walked slowly down the street.
- He ate everything he could find.
In both cases, the actions being performed are portrayed as unique and uncomparable, showing no parallelism with others who might also walk slowly or eat voraciously. These adjectives are often associated with subjectivity since they reflect personal opinions and feelings rather than objective facts. Hence, if someone claims something is beautiful but another person disagrees, neither opinion is necessarily right or wrong; it depends on individual perception.
Understanding and mastering superlatives helps us convey information precisely, making our communication more accurate and effective. By knowing how to use them correctly, you'll be able to paint vivid pictures with your words, impressing friends and colleagues alike!
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Description
Learn about irregular superlatives that do not follow the usual rules when forming their superlative counterparts, and absolute superlatives that describe qualities beyond comparison. Explore examples and understand how to use them effectively to convey information precisely and impress others with your communication skills.
