Superlatives

Question

Can you use most narrow, or is narrow comes with its very own superlative form should you use that, i.e.

The interval was most narrow when the particular x value of interest is closest to the sample mean of x

vs.

The interval was narrowest when the particular x value of interest is closest to the sample mean of x

Feebs11 · Accepted Answer

You can use either. Personally I prefer the superlative form "narrowest".

Cool Breeze · Answer

AnonymousThe interval was most narrow when the particular x value of interest is closest to the sample mean of x

vs.

The interval was narrowest when the particular x value of interest is closest to the sample mean of x

I would prefer was to is in your sentences. Both sentences are correct but their meanings are different. The interval was most narrow is an absolute superlative as the is not used before most. It means: The interval was very/extremely narrow...

In the second sentence the interval is compared to itself, but not with intervals between other things than those mentioned in your sentence. Two words could be added and the meaning would remain unchanged: The interval was [at its] narrowest...

More examples of this structure:
He is [at his] happiest before Christmas.
The boys were usually [at their] laziest in the afternoon.
The lake is [at its] deepest here.

Disyllabic adjectives ending in ow take est in the relative superlative:
This is the narrowest street. (= The street is narrower than any other street.)

CB

Superlatives

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions