The Article with adjectives in the superlative degree

The choice of the article greatly depends on the attribute. Attributes can be limiting and descriptive. Limiting attribute is used to point out a particular object or a number of objects as distinct from all other objects of the same class or kind. A noun with a limiting attribute is used with the definite article.

She sat down and accepted the cigarette he offered her.

Descriptive attribute describes an object, it may also give additional information. They do not affect the use of articles, so both articles can be modified.

Edward wore a large straw hat of native make.

As a rule, adjectives in the superlative degree are limiting attributes and therefore the use of the Definite Article is obligatory.

This is the most interesting city I have ever been.

As a rule, the following adjectives are limiting attributes and therefore the use of the Definite Article is obligatory.

Same, only, very, main, principal, left, right, central, following, present, former, latter, last, next, wrong.

Sorry, I've dialed the wrong number.

NOTE: If the word ‘most’ has a meaning ‘very or extremely’ it does not influence the choice of the article.

She is a most charming girl=very (весьма)

Exercise 22. Fill in the gaps with an article where necessary. Mark the limiting adjective. Translate the sentences into Russian.

1. They liked _________ same books, _________ same passages.

2. I was astonished, and at _________ same time I was very much excited.

3. He was an old man, of heavy build, with _________ fair, shaven face and _________ large eyes.

4. Indeed, at _________ present moment he is supposed to be in Paris.

5. When full of flowers the garden would doubtless look pretty; but now, at _________ latter end of January, it was dull.

6. Is he _________ friend of yours?

7. When they met at breakfast _________ following morning, Jennings said: "Sir John will not like leaving Barton next week".

8. He should have a pot of money waiting for him if he did _________ right thing.

9. Jennings was not struck by _________ same thought.

10. It was _________ real catastrophy, not a mere episode

11. Beebe said that she would only go for _________ little walk, and keep to the street frequented by tourists.

12. Miss Ingram, as before, was _________ only lady present.

NOTE: Pay attention that sometimes these adjectives change their meaning and as a result may be used with both definite and indefinite articles.

She was an only child in the family.

Exercise 23. Translate the sentences from English into Russian.

1. Гренландия- самый большой остров в мире.

2. Барселона-самый красивый город.

3. Он самый техничный игрок поколения.

4. Он выглядел весьма смешным.

5. Это очень полезная статья.

6. На данный момент это самый дорогой словарь.

7. Мистер Джерсок - единственный человек, который сможет Вам помочь.

8. Она весьма необычная девушка.

9. Вы дали неправильный ответ.

10. Это самая скучная книга, которую я читала в своей жизни.

11. Он весьма посредственный актер.

12. Это очень дорогие духи.

13. Мне дали самое сложное задание. Я боюсь, что следующие несколько дней я буду очень занят.

14. Это очень полезная статья.

15. Вчера я ходила в кино. Это был самый смешной фильм.

16. За лето я прочитала две книги «Джейн Эйр» и «Утраченный символ». Первая книга о романтической любви молодой девушки к богатому джентльмену. Вторая - детективная история, в которой много загадок и тайн.

17. Это очень полезная статья.

18. Положите тетради на левый угол стола.

19. Он весьма упрямый человек. Он считает, что есть два мнения: его точка зрения и неправильное.