In Grammar 1-1, we looked at various ways to use adjectives. As you know, adjectives also have comparative and superlative forms.
Comparative
- Grammar is more difficult than vocabulary.
- Do you really think family is not as important as friends?
- My hometown is a lot warmer in the summer than it is in the winter.
Superlative
- The best part of my old English school was definitely my classmates; they were so fun!
- She’s easily the most qualified person for the job, but I heard she is going back to school.
- I bought my new computer online; I chose the one with the most positive review.
In this lesson, we’ll be looking at some different structures that can be used with superlative forms.
Superlative Adjectives with the Present Perfect
Using present perfect verb forms with superlative adjectives allows us to talk about experiences in an emphatic way.
- That was the longest meeting I have been to this year! What a waste of time!
- Zane told us that durian is the strangest fruit he has eaten. He tried it in Thailand.
- She’s the most helpful person I have met since moving here.
We often use this structure with the adverb ever.
- We had a BBQ with all the neighbours on our street; it was the biggest party I have ever been to.
- Who is the most inspiring person you have ever met?
- The new park is the safest one that has ever been built in the city.
Ever can also be used with comparatives. We’ll see how in Grammar 3-3.
Superlative Adjectives with 'one of', 'some of', or 'among'
To quantify a superlative adjective, we can use phrases like one of, some of, or among.
- Some of the craziest times in my life were those spent with my friends from high school.
- You should ask Raisa to help you improve your tennis; she is one of the most experienced instructors I know.
- This restaurant is among the most famous in the city.
You can also use these phrases with the present perfect and/or ever.
- One of the loudest concerts I have ever seen was at this arena.
- Could you tell me about some of the most impressive art galleries you have visited?
- That school is among the largest ever built in this city.
Exercise
Speaking Practice
Ask your partner the following questions. Try to answer using one of, some of, or among and be sure to ask follow up questions. Try to make the conversation as real as possible!
Student 1: What’s the scariest movie you have ever seen?
Student 2: Um, I think It. Have you ever seen that movie?
No, I hate horror movies!
Oh, really? Then you shouldn’t see It. It has some of the scariest scenes I have ever seen!
- What is one of the worst things you have ever eaten?
- Where is the farthest place from your hometown you have ever been?
- Who is the most talented musician you have ever known?
- What are some of the most beautiful places you have ever visited?
- Who is one of the funniest people in your family?
- What do you think is one of the most difficult things you have ever learned in English?
- Where are some of the best restaurants you have ever eaten at?
- Out of all the people in your life, who is among the most trustworthy?
- What is one of the most complicated things you can cook?
- In your opinion, where is the most boring place you have ever been?