The use of a qualifying phrase or a relative

A qualifying phrase is not necessary after a superlative if the reference is clear:

John is the tallest This implies that the hearer understands that John is being compared with two or more people in the same group. If the comparison is not clear, then we must use a qualifying phrase after the superlative. Phrases of this kind usually begin with in or (less frequently) of.

John is easily the tallest boy in our class

Yesterday was the hottest day of the year Other fixed prepositional phrases are possible:

It's the oldest trick on earth/under the sun Alternatively, we can use a relative clause [> 1.40] after a superlative. This is often accompanied by a present perfect with ever heard, met, read, seen, etc. [> 9.25.1]:

'War and Peace' is the longest book (that) I have ever read

Penfold is the most conceited man (that/whom) I have ever met

6.28.2

Modification of superlatives

Superlatives can be modified by adverbs of degree like almost altogether, by far far much, nearly practically guite the very This is quitef(by) far the most expensive bicycle in the shop This is much the worst stretch of motorway in the country Note the position of very after the [> 7.51.1]: / want to give my children the very best education I can afford

Comparatives and superlatives confused and misused

Many common comparatives are easily confused [> App 12].

Comparison, similarity and contrast

As...as' to indicate the same degree

As as can combine with one-syllable and longer adjectives to show that two people, things, etc. are similar: Jane is as tall as/as intelligent as Peter

The comparison of adjectives

A number of everyday expressions with as + adjective + as are commonly in use [> App 13]: e.g. as clear as crystal, as cold as ice as good as gold, as light as a feather, as old as the hills as white as snow The first as is often dropped:

How has Jimmy behaved himself⁹ - He's been (as) good as gold Some of these expressions can occur as compound adjectives: e.g. grass-green (for 'as green as grass' = colour or 'inexperienced'). Like than [> 6.27.1], as can function as a preposition [> 4.7.3] or as a conjunction [> 1.53], For differences between like and as [> App 25.25].