Most

Definition

Most is a determiner used to indicate the majority or the greatest part of a whole, often in comparisons. It functions as a comparative adjective that expresses a higher degree among three or more items or groups. In its usage, it can also play a role in agreement with collective nouns and pronouns, reflecting the singularity or plurality of what is being referenced.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Most can function as both an adjective and a pronoun, depending on its placement in a sentence.
2. When used with collective nouns, most can signal whether the group is treated as a singular entity or as individuals, impacting verb agreement.
3. In terms of comparison, most typically indicates that something exceeds all others in degree or quantity.
4. The use of most can sometimes lead to ambiguity in terms of whether it refers to the totality of a group or just the majority.
5. In negative constructions, most may shift meaning; for example, 'not most' could imply 'some' rather than 'all'.

Review Questions

• How does the term 'most' function as an adjective when making comparisons?
  • 'Most' serves as a comparative adjective by indicating that something has a greater degree or quantity than others within a specified group. For instance, in the phrase 'most students passed the exam,' it conveys that more students succeeded compared to those who did not. This comparative function allows 'most' to highlight differences among three or more items, showcasing its role in describing superiority in terms of numbers or qualities.
• Discuss how the use of 'most' affects subject-verb agreement with collective nouns.
  • 'Most' impacts subject-verb agreement by influencing how collective nouns are interpreted. When 'most' is used with a collective noun like 'team,' it may take either a singular or plural verb depending on whether the focus is on the group as a single unit or on individual members. For example, one might say 'Most of the team is ready' (singular focus) or 'Most of the team are playing well' (plural focus), which alters the agreement based on interpretation.
• Evaluate how understanding the term 'most' can help clarify meaning in complex sentences involving groups and individuals.
  • Grasping the meaning of 'most' is crucial for clarity in complex sentences, especially when distinguishing between collective actions and individual behaviors. For instance, knowing that 'most people enjoy sports' suggests that more than half participate in enjoyment, but does not imply all do. This understanding aids in interpreting statistical data, social behaviors, and group dynamics effectively. It also allows for precise communication about preferences and actions within diverse populations, ensuring that nuances are captured without misunderstanding.

Related terms

majority: The greater number or part of something, often used in context to describe more than half of a total.

plurality: The condition of being plural; it often refers to the largest number of votes received by a candidate in an election when no candidate receives a majority.

comparative: An adjective form used to compare two entities, typically formed by adding '-er' or using 'more' before the adjective.