best or the best

[victor su]

Physics is the subject he likes best/the best.

Here in this sentence shall I use best or the best. Thank you.

[MikeNewYork]

Originally Posted by victor su

Physics is the subject he likes best/the best.

Here in this sentence shall I use best or the best. Thank you.

You could use either there. I would use just "best", but the other is also very common. There is little to no difference in meaning. One could say that "the best" might refer more to the courses he is presently taking (specific choice) and "best" might refer to all courses (general choice) but that difference is very subtle and might not even be intended.