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29 Aug 2016, 18:09
Kudos
Bookmarks
Is it required to use "the" before a superlative adjective?
For example:
He is most capable among the brothers
vs
He is the most capable among the brothers.
Are they both grammatically correct? If not what is the difference
Does GMAT test on this concept?
Thanks a lot in advance,
A-non-native-English-speaker
For example:
He is most capable among the brothers
vs
He is the most capable among the brothers.
Are they both grammatically correct? If not what is the difference
Does GMAT test on this concept?
Thanks a lot in advance,
A-non-native-English-speaker
30 Aug 2016, 01:53
Kudos
Bookmarks
The short answer is no, but that's true in part because there is more than one way to use a superlative. In the case you're describing, we do want to use "the." "He is most capable among the brothers" is definitely wrong. However, "most" can also be used as a synonym for "very," as in "We enjoyed a most excellent meal." Even with a standard superlative, the article is sometimes omitted when the superlative is in modifier form:
"Fiercest of all ocean predators, the great white can rocket toward its prey at 69 kilometers per hour."
I'm not sure this usage would show up on the GMAT, but it's not uncommon in ordinary English.
I can say with more certainty that "best" can be used without an article any time it's modifying a verb rather than a noun:
"The cookies will keep for 5 days, but are best eaten fresh out of the oven."
"I'd best be going."
"I liked the last song best of all."
"Fiercest of all ocean predators, the great white can rocket toward its prey at 69 kilometers per hour."
I'm not sure this usage would show up on the GMAT, but it's not uncommon in ordinary English.
I can say with more certainty that "best" can be used without an article any time it's modifying a verb rather than a noun:
"The cookies will keep for 5 days, but are best eaten fresh out of the oven."
"I'd best be going."
"I liked the last song best of all."
30 Aug 2016, 03:36
Kudos
Bookmarks
manhasnoname
Is it required to use "the" before a superlative adjective?
He is our most capable player.The judges couldn't decide whether the participant voted most capable deserved the award.
Their objective is to find the one who is most capable.
The first one is straightforward, if you're open to using a noun. The second and third might be slightly informal, but I don't think they'd be considered incorrect even on the GMAT. I'm not sure though.
