mostdeterminer
Most either names the greater part of a group on its own, or, with the, picks out the single greatest amount when three or more are compared.
the greater partused before a plural or uncountable noun, without an article, to mean the greater part of a group or amount
This most talks about people or things in general, not one particular group already mentioned: most people means the greater part of people everywhere, not a specific set. With of before a particular group (most of the students), most is a pronoun, a separate entry.
- Most people enjoy a good meal.
- Most children love this game.
- She spends most weekends at home.
- Most shops close early on holidays.
Collocations
phrase most people, most daysCompare all
the most: greatest amountused with the before a noun to mean the greatest amount or number, when three or more are being compared
The most is the superlative of more: it compares three or more amounts and picks out the largest. She has the most money compares her with everyone else in the group.
- Of the three candidates, she has the most experience.
- Which team scored the most points?
- He has the most patience of anyone I know.
Antonyms least
Compare more (more compares two amounts; the most compares three or more and picks the greatest)
Phrases
Usage
Without an article, most talks about people or things in general: most cats means cats in general, not one particular group. With the, most becomes the superlative of more and compares specific amounts: the most cats picks out whichever amount is largest among those being compared. Most used alone (most agree), or before an adjective to form a superlative (the most difficult), belongs to separate entries.
Common mistakes
See also more; least; most (most used alone or with of, without a following noun: most agree, most of my friends); most (most used before an adjective or adverb to form a superlative: the most difficult)