Superlative adjectives describe things that are at specific limits in a comparison. They refer to extreme qualities in a group of things, most often three similar objects.

Example:
  Stacey is the happiest.
  His drawing is the most precise.
  Summer is the warmest season.

Many people confuse comparative and superlative adjectives. Superlatives refer to more than two people or things. That’s the distinction!

In the examples below, you’ll see the regular adjective, the comparative form between two objects, and then the superlative comparing all three:

#1 - Don’t use them with comparatives! This mistake is called a “double comparative” and is grammatically incorrect.

Incorrect Examples: Your turtle is the most slowest.
Correct:      Your turtle is the slowest.

Incorrect Examples: Her hair is more frizzier.
Correct:       Her hair is the frizziest.

#2 - Don’t use the superlative when comparing only two things. Always use the comparative!

Example:    Correct - Of the two ballers, he is the most powerful.

#3 - Adjectives without Superlative forms - their meaning already expresses the strongest quality of each.

Examples:    “Dead” is always just “dead.” There is no “deader,” “deadest,” or “more dead.” Other words that apply: single, unique, & instantaneous.