Most

'Most' is a commonly used word in the English language and has many functions. In this lesson, we will learn all about this word.

Most is a commonly-used word that has four functions. In this lesson, we will cover all of them with their uses and their positions in a sentence.

Functions of 'Most'

1. 'Most' as a Determiner

Use

Most as a determiner is used to show either the greatest thing in amount/degree or the majority of things. Look:

Most as a determiner is used before uncountable nouns to show the greatest in amount or degree. For example:

It took me the most time.

As you see, the article 'the' can be used before the determiner 'most.'

This affaire got the most attention.

Most can be used before countable (plural) nouns, and it means 'almost all, the majority of.' Look:

Most people agreed that the government must be responsible.

Most books are for sale here.

Position in a Sentence

Most as a determiner is used before nouns to modify them. For example:

Most people agreed.

It took me the most time.

Determiners can take other determiners like articles.

2. 'Most' as a Pronoun

Use

Most as a pronoun replaces the noun it refers to. It indicates either the largest number or the largest part of things/people. Take a look:

Most means the largest number of people or things, for example:

Some students were happy but most were upset.

There are 30 books here. Most are for sale.

'Most' refers to 'books.'

Most means the largest part of something or some people, look:

I have some money but I have spent most (of it).

Most of them did not know what they were looking for.

Position in a Sentence

Most as a pronoun replaces the noun it refers to, so it can mainly act as the subject or the object of the sentence.

Most of them did not know what they were looking for.

'Most' is the subject.

I love most of them.

3. 'Most' as an Adverb

Use

Most as an adverb is used in informal contexts and means very nearly. It is usually used with:

other determiners like all, every, and any;

Most every book is so expensive in this town.

the pronouns like all, everyone, everything, everybody, anyone, anything, and anybody;

Most anyone can do that.

the adverbs like everywhere, anywhere, and always.

They most always backbite.

Position in a Sentence

Most as an adverb is placed before some determiners, pronouns, or adverbs. Take a look:

Most all books are so expensive.

Most everyone can do that.

There are trees most everywhere.

4. 'Most' as a Noun

Use

Most as a noun can play the role of subjects, direct objects, indirect objects, etc. Most as a noun is mainly used in these three structures:

Most in at most or at the most means 'not more than a specified amount, level, etc.' It is the opposite of 'at least.'

I work for this company for six months at most.

This costs at most 13 dollars.

Most in make the most of means 'to use (something) in a way to get the best result.' For example:

I want to make the most of this experience.

Seize the opportunity and make the most of it.

Most in the most means 'something of the greatest importance, strength, value, etc.'

The most I can do for you is to encourage you.

Is that the most you can do?

Position in a Sentence

Most as a noun has a variable position as it can be the subject, the object, the adverb, the adjective, etc. Look:

I want to make the most of this experience.

Here, 'most' is an object.

I work for this company for six months at most.

Here, 'most' is the adverb.

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