Cheapest/the cheapest

[mehdihas]

Dear Native Speakers,
In the following sentence, why "the" has not been used before "cheapest"? If we use "the before "cheapest" will there be any change in meaning?
"Where is it cheapest to get typeset copies printed?"
Thanks

[billmcd]

Dear Native Speakers,

In the following sentence, why "the" has not been used before "cheapest"? If we use "the before "cheapest" will there be any change in meaning?
"Where is it cheapest to get typeset copies printed?"

Thanks

No change.

[TheParser]

NOT A TEACHER


Mr. Louis Alexander in his Longman English Grammar (1988 edition, page 120) says:

" 'The' is sometimes dropped ... when the superlative is in front of a to-infinitive."

His example: "I think it's SAFEST TO OVERTAKE now."

[CarloSsS]

NOT A TEACHER
This omission of "the" before superlatives is according to Michael Swan's Practical English Usage a matter of an informal style.