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Thread: the usage of 'the' with superlative

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    Default the usage of 'the' with superlative

    When we use superlative, it is usually accompanied by 'the', for example, he is the most important person in our company. However, sometimes I saw people using superlative without 'the' in some sentences. How can I know when I should use 'the' with superlative. More specifically, in the following sentence should I use 'the'?

    When he evaluates a person, which point will he consider (the) most important?

    Thanks for your help in advance!
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    Default Re: the usage of 'the' with superlative

    Quote Originally Posted by word5810 View Post
    When we use superlative, it is usually accompanied by 'the', for example, he is the most important person in our company. However, sometimes I saw people using superlative without 'the' in some sentences. How can I know when I should use 'the' with superlative. More specifically, in the following sentence should I use 'the'?

    When he evaluates a person, which point will he consider (the) most important?

    Thanks for your help in advance!


    REMINDER: NOT A TEACHER


    (1) I am delighted to tell you what Mr. Michael Swan says in his very helpful

    book Practical English Usage. Here is his advice to us learners:

    Superlative adjectives in predicative position also tend to have the, though

    it is sometimes dropped in an informal style:

    I am the greatest.

    Which of the boys is (the) strongest?

    This dictionary is (the) best.

    (2) Therefore, if I understand Mr. Swan, it might be closer to the rules if

    you said/wrote: Which point will he consider the most important?

    That is, "He will consider which point (to be) the most important?"
    Rover_KE and word5810 like this.

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