Superlatives express the highest or lowest degree of a quality within a group (e.g., 'the most difficult subject'). They are formed by adding a definite article (le, la, or les) before the comparative word.
The structure is: . The choice of article must match the gender and number of the noun being described.
When the superlative follows the noun, the definite article is often repeated: le bâtiment le plus moderne (the most modern building).
In both comparative and superlative structures, the adjective must agree in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural) with the noun it describes.
For feminine nouns, an '-e' is typically added to the adjective; for plural nouns, an '-s' is added. If a noun is both feminine and plural, the ending becomes '-es'.
This rule is critical because the comparative markers (plus, moins, aussi) and the conjunction que remain invariable, leaving the adjective as the primary indicator of agreement.
Phonics involves understanding the relationship between written letters (graphemes) and their sounds (phonemes). This is essential for pronouncing school subjects and facilities correctly.
Nasal Vowels: Many school-related words contain nasal sounds (e.g., 'in', 'an', 'on'). These occur when a vowel is followed by 'n' or 'm' and not followed by another vowel.
Silent Final Consonants: In French, final consonants like 's', 't', and 'd' are usually silent (e.g., in 'maths' or 'petit'), which is a common point of confusion for learners.
| Feature | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Compares two specific items | Identifies the extreme in a group |
| Key Words | plus/moins/aussi... que | le/la/les plus/moins |
| Example Logic | A is better than B | A is the best |
Check Agreement: Always double-check that your adjectives in comparisons match the subject. Examiners frequently deduct marks for missing feminine or plural endings.
Listen for 'Que': In listening exams, the presence of 'que' signals a comparison between two things, while its absence often indicates a superlative or a simple description.
Phonetic Awareness: Pay close attention to the 'u' vs 'ou' sounds and nasal vowels. Mispronouncing these can change the meaning of a word entirely during the speaking exam.
