the oldest / the highest

Grammar notes

The One at the Top (Superlatives: Short Adjectives)

Use the superlative when one thing is at the top of the group.

Short adjectives usually take the + -est.

You are not comparing two things now. You are picking the champion.

• Example: June is the warmest month here.
• Example: That is the smallest box.

Quick Rule

• the + short adjective + -est
• use it for one thing in a group

When one item wins the race, the superlative steps in.