As language learners, we often encounter various grammatical constructs that can sometimes be confusing. One such construct is the use of superlatives. Superlatives are used to describe the extreme quality of one thing in a group of things. For instance, in the sentence “She is the tallest girl in the class,” “tallest” is the superlative form of “tall.” However, what happens when we come across the term “double superlatives”? This article aims to demystify double superlatives, explaining what they are, why they are considered incorrect in standard English, and how to avoid them.
Understanding Superlatives
Before diving into double superlatives, it’s essential to understand what superlatives are and how they function in English grammar. Superlatives are adjectives or adverbs used to describe the highest degree of a particular quality among three or more items. They are typically formed in one of two ways:
1. **Adding “-est”** to the end of one-syllable adjectives or adverbs (e.g., “tall” becomes “tallest”).
2. **Using “most”** before adjectives or adverbs that are two syllables or longer (e.g., “beautiful” becomes “most beautiful”).
For example:
– “John is the **fastest** runner in the team.”
– “This is the **most interesting** book I have ever read.”
These superlatives indicate that John is faster than all the other runners in the team and that the book surpasses all others in terms of interest.
What Are Double Superlatives?
A double superlative occurs when two superlative forms are used to describe the same noun or pronoun. This often happens when someone mistakenly combines both methods of forming the superlative. For example:
– “This is the most fastest route.”
– “She is the most prettiest girl in the room.”
In these examples, “most fastest” and “most prettiest” are double superlatives. The correct forms should be “fastest” and “prettiest” without the addition of “most.”
Why Are Double Superlatives Incorrect?
Double superlatives are considered incorrect in standard English for several reasons:
1. **Redundancy**: Using two superlative forms together is redundant. The superlative form already indicates the highest degree of a quality, so adding another superlative is unnecessary and incorrect.
2. **Confusion**: Double superlatives can confuse the listener or reader, making the sentence harder to understand.
3. **Standard Grammar Rules**: Standard English grammar rules dictate that only one superlative form should be used to describe the highest degree of a quality.
Common Double Superlatives
Double superlatives are often found in casual speech, song lyrics, and sometimes even in writing. Here are some common examples and their corrections:
– Incorrect: “This is the most best pizza I’ve ever had.”
– Correct: “This is the **best** pizza I’ve ever had.”
– Incorrect: “He is the most tallest player on the team.”
– Correct: “He is the **tallest** player on the team.”
– Incorrect: “She is the most smartest student in the class.”
– Correct: “She is the **smartest** student in the class.”
How to Avoid Double Superlatives
Avoiding double superlatives is essential for clear and correct communication. Here are some tips to help you avoid this common mistake:
1. Learn the Superlative Forms
Familiarize yourself with the correct superlative forms of common adjectives and adverbs. Knowing these forms will help you avoid adding unnecessary superlatives. For example:
– Good: **best**
– Bad: **worst**
– Tall: **tallest**
– Beautiful: **most beautiful**
2. Use Only One Superlative Form
When forming a superlative, use only one method: either add “-est” to the end of the word or use “most” before the word, but never both. For example:
– Incorrect: “She is the most kindest person I know.”
– Correct: “She is the **kindest** person I know.”
– Incorrect: “This is the most easiest way to solve the problem.”
– Correct: “This is the **easiest** way to solve the problem.”
3. Proofread Your Work
Before finalizing any written work, take the time to proofread it. Look out for any double superlatives and correct them. This practice will help you become more aware of your language use and improve your overall writing skills.
4. Listen to Native Speakers
Listening to native English speakers, whether in person, on TV, or through other media, can help you understand how superlatives are used correctly. Pay attention to their use of superlatives and try to emulate their speech patterns.
Historical and Cultural Context
Interestingly, double superlatives were not always considered incorrect. In older forms of English, double superlatives were sometimes used for emphasis or poetic effect. For example, in Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice,” the character Launcelot says, “the most beautifulest pagan, most sweet Jew.” While this usage is grammatically incorrect by today’s standards, it was more acceptable in Shakespeare’s time.
Moreover, double superlatives are sometimes found in various dialects and forms of English around the world. For example, in some Southern American English dialects, double superlatives may be used in casual speech. While these forms are not considered standard, they are a part of the rich tapestry of English dialects and regional variations.
Practical Exercises
To help you master the use of superlatives and avoid double superlatives, here are some practical exercises:
Exercise 1: Identify the Double Superlative
Read the following sentences and identify any double superlatives. Rewrite the sentences correctly.
1. This is the most quickest route to the station.
2. He is the most strongest member of the team.
3. She is the most happiest person I know.
4. This is the most simplest solution to the problem.
5. They are the most friendliest neighbors we’ve ever had.
Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the correct superlative form of the given adjectives.
1. (tall) She is the __________ girl in the class.
2. (beautiful) This is the __________ painting in the gallery.
3. (good) He is the __________ player on the team.
4. (bad) This is the __________ movie I have ever seen.
5. (easy) This is the __________ question on the test.
Exercise 3: Create Your Own Sentences
Create five sentences using superlatives correctly. Make sure not to use double superlatives.
1. ____________________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________________
3. ____________________________________________________________
4. ____________________________________________________________
5. ____________________________________________________________
Conclusion
Understanding and using superlatives correctly is essential for clear and effective communication in English. Double superlatives, while common in casual speech and certain dialects, are considered incorrect in standard English. By familiarizing yourself with the correct forms of superlatives, using only one superlative method, proofreading your work, and listening to native speakers, you can avoid this common mistake and improve your overall language skills.
Remember that language is a dynamic and evolving entity. While it’s important to adhere to standard grammar rules, it’s also valuable to appreciate the rich diversity of English dialects and historical usage. By striking a balance between correct usage and cultural understanding, you can become a more proficient and nuanced English speaker.
Happy learning!