'the year' or 'year'?

[DreamFounder]

Any differences between the following two sentences?

1. It's the best time of the year.
2. It's the best time of year.

Thanks!

[Tdol]

Not really if you're talking in general, though the second sounds more natural to me.

[Fazzu]

How come the second question is more natural?

[Tdol]

Because there's no need to specify the year if you're talking in general- it's the same every year.

[dihen]

To me, it sounds as if "It's the best time of year.", were a mistake (article missing on the word "year"). But I am not a native speaker.

[tedtmc]

1. It's the best time of the year.
2. It's the best time of year.

No. 2 does not sound right to me too.

Which of these is correct?

Best time of the day
Best time of day

[Casiopea]

1. It's the best time of the year. <specific>
2. It's the best time of year. <in general>

No. 2 does not sound right to me too.

It's fine.

Best time of the day
Best time of day

Hope that helps.

Please note, if you are not a teacher, please state so. Otherwise posters will assume you are a teacher and, after all, this is the Ask a Teacher forum.

[Fazzu]

1. It's the best time of the year. <specific>
2. It's the best time of year. <in general>

That's a nice explanation.I can understand now.Thanks