Word
the most
Definition
fixed phrase. to the greatest degree or extent; you use this to say someone is doing something as much as possible.
fixed phrase. an adverbial phrase indicating the superlative degree of an action or quality. When used as an intensifier after a verb, it functions as a synonym for 'to the greatest extent' or 'more than anything else'.
Examples
“I like this painting the most.”
“Out of all the candidates we interviewed today, Sarah impressed the committee the most.”
“While all the variables contributed to the experiment's failure, the fluctuating temperature affected the final results the most.”
Examples
simple
“I like this painting the most.”
contextual
“Out of all the candidates we interviewed today, Sarah impressed the committee the most.”
complex
“While all the variables contributed to the experiment's failure, the fluctuating temperature affected the final results the most.”
Usage
usually placed at the end of a clause or immediately after the verb it modifies.
Teaching tip
distinguish between its use as a superlative adjective ('the most beautiful') and its use as an adverbial phrase ('I like this the most') to help students with word order.
Pitfall
I like the most chocolate ice cream.
I like chocolate ice cream the most.
when used to mean 'to the greatest degree', the phrase should follow the object rather than precede it.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Grade 2
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
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