Introduction
Superlative adjectives/adverbs are determiners used to make a comparison between things, people or actions, expressing the superiority of one thing, person or action which has a higher level of a particular quality.
By using degree modifiers, the degree of the superlatives is intensified.
Form
Degree modifiers with superlatives appear before the superlative adjective.
The most commonly used are: almost, by far, definitely, easily, possibly…
NOTE: We cannot use all modifiers with superlatives.
Example
- That was almost the best interview I’ve ever had.
- This is almost the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me.
- My grandfather is by far the oldest person in our workplace.
- You are by far the most successful person I’ve ever know.
- She is definitely the most intelligent person for the HR manager.
- It was definitely the happiest day of my life.
- This job advertisement is easily the best one.
- This is easily the worst movie ever.
- This is possibly the most efficient laboratory I’ve ever been to.
- They are possibly the most talented rock band ever.
Use
We use degree modifiers with superlatives to increase the degree of the superlative adjective.
Summary
We can use certain degree modifiers before superlatives to increase the superlative degree.
The most commonly used degree modifiers are: definitely, by far, possibly, almost, easily…
For example:
— “Claire is definitely the most talented girl in the class.” = The degree modifier definitely intensifies the meaning that she is the most talented girl among the students, expressed with the superlative.
♦ “Claire is the most talented girl in the class.” = We use just the superlative to express the superiority without putting emphasis on the superlative degree.
Let’s revise this content within the {Form} section. Take a look at the {Example} section that shows its use within a context.