Superlative gradation also refers to an explicit standard rather than to a norm. But it places the graded object at the extreme end of the scale. For instance, the largest tree takes a whole range of trees as its field of reference, and we have to know what range is being referred to in order to understand the expression. If we ask The largest in what range? the information may be given immediately—The largest tree in that wood—or it may be given by back reference. The tree referred to is not, of course, necessarily large in comparison with the norm for trees in general. Superlatives require the definite article when they are used attributively: the longest film. When they are used predicatively they usually have the article, but not always: This film is longest This film is the longest Superlatives can take either a ‘superior’ or an ‘inferior’ form (longest, or least long). If one combines this choice with the choice between two antonyms, there are four forms of expression: the longest film the most precise answer the shortest film the vaguest answer the least long film the least precise answer the least short the least vague answer
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