MOST / MOST OF / THE MOST (A2 Grammar)
MOST + noun = general. MOST OF the/my = specific. THE MOST = superlative.
Quick tip: General = MOST + noun. Specific = MOST OF the/my. Superlative = THE MOST + adjective.
MOST + plural noun (general)
Use most + noun (no 'the', no 'of') for general statements.
- Most people like pizza.
- Most students work hard.
- Most cars use gasoline.
- Most children love candy.
MOST OF + the/my/these (specific)
Use most of + the/my/these for a SPECIFIC group.
- Most of the students passed.
- Most of my friends live nearby.
- Most of these books are old.
- Most of the people here speak English.
THE MOST + adjective (superlative)
Use the most + adjective for superlatives.
- She is the most intelligent student.
- This is the most expensive car.
- That's the most interesting book.
- He's the most talented player.
Common mistakes
- Not "Most of people like pizza" — say "Most people like pizza". General = MOST (no 'of').
- Not "Most my friends are here" — say "Most of my friends are here". With my/your = MOST OF.
Practise it
General or specific? General = MOST. Specific = MOST OF. Superlative = THE MOST.