Cambridge Grammar of English Hardback with cd-rom a comprehensive Guide

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539 Glossary for any unfamiliar terms

Comparison | 769

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The

+ superlative adjective + of is also used, particularly before indefinite nouns.

The structure is rather formal:

The best of 

ideas

happen when you are not thinking.

In New York even 

the cheapest of 

apartments

is not affordable.

The

is optional with superlative adverbs modifying verb phrases:

A lot of students work hard but mature students generally 

work

(

the) hardest.

The

is used with superlative adverbs if the adverb modifies an adjective:

It is one of 

the most beautifully

structured

pieces of music.

Intensifying superlatives

468c

Imaginable, possible, etc.

In more formal contexts, superlatives can be complemented by adjectives such as

conceivable

, imaginable, possible, thinkable, etc., in the structure superlative

adjective + noun head + complement:

It’s the 

most beautiful

landscape

imaginable.

Superlative adjective complements of this kind can alternatively precede the noun

head:

The travelling conditions were designed to inflict the 

greatest possible

suffering

.