Double Superlative

What Is a Double Superlative?

A double superlative is a grammar mistake caused by applying two ways of forming a superlative instead of one. Double superlatives are most commonly committed when someone uses "-est" and "most" at the same time (e.g., most tallest).

Examples of Double Superlatives

• He is the most wisest.
(should be wisest)
• She is the most quickest.
(should be quickest)

Avoiding Double Superlatives

The rules for forming the superlatives of adjectives are summarized in the table below.

Type of Adjective	Example	Rule	Example
one syllable	strong	add -est	strongest
one syllable ending vowel consonant	big	double consonant and add -est	biggest
more than one syllable	famous	precede with less or more	more famous less famous
more than one syllable ending y	silly	remove y and add -ier for the less version, precede with less	sillier less silly
irregular	good bad	There are no rules.	best worst

A superlative is created by applying one of these rules (the appropriate one) to your adjective. A double superlative (which is a serious grammar mistake) is created by apply two of the rules.

• He is the most silliest person I know.
(should be silliest)
• She is our most best player.
(should be best)
• It's the worstest meal I've ever eaten.
(should be worst)

The examples above are all double superlatives of adjectives. Occasionally, you see double superlatives with adverbs too.

• I tried most hardest.
(should be hardest)

Why Understanding "Double Superlatives" Is Important

Double superlatives are more common in speech than in writing. In speech, they can often be written off as a moment of absentmindedness, but, in writing, a double superlative is a credibility-bashing grammar howler. Read more about forming superlatives.

Key Point